DAC/Amp combo sometimes crackling??

[Energycore]

Hey everyone?

 

I just bought a DAC/Amp combo a week or so ago. I'm really happy with the improvement in clarity in the bass for my HD 6xxs, but I've run into one problem.

 

You see, sometimes while I'm using it, the sound will start crackling. The crackling is louder the higher the volume, but if I turn it on and off it will go away.

 

My DAC/AMP model is the Monoprice 111567. Here's the product page https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW

 

What could explain this? I'd love to know if I should RMA this (preferably during Amazon's return window).

 

More importantly though, I want to know WHY so I can learn something out of this.

 

Cheers!

[GuiltySpark_]

B550/X570? Make sure you're updating your BIOS if so.

[Energycore]

Just now, rickeo said:

B550/X570? Make sure you're updating your BIOS if so.

My motherboard is a proud Gigabyte H61 from 2011

[Energycore]

This might be relevant, but the amp didn't come with a driver at all. I wasn't sure there even is a driver to use.

[GuiltySpark_]

1 minute ago, Energycore said:

This might be relevant, but the amp didn't come with a driver at all. I wasn't sure there even is a driver to use.

Pretty normal, most DAC's will use a standard built in USB Audio device driver. 

[Energycore]

14 minutes ago, rickeo said:

Pretty normal, most DAC's will use a standard built in USB Audio device driver. 

So with that said, how do I know if the crackling is software or hardware? It's a bit hard to record that noise

[sub68]

29 minutes ago, Energycore said:

So with that said, how do I know if the crackling is software or hardware? It's a bit hard to record that noise

its most likely a hardware problem

[Energycore]

Just now, sub68 said:

its most likely a hardware problem

It's probably a good idea to return it then huh. Dammit, I don't want to wait for the replacement xD

[sub68]

Just now, Energycore said:

It's probably a good idea to return it then huh

yep

Just now, Energycore said:

Dammit, I don't want to wait for the replacement

hmm are using RCA to connect?

[GuiltySpark_]

You can try adjusting the bitrate/depth in the Sound control panel for that output device if its the type of crackling i'm guessing it is. 

[Energycore]

1 hour ago, sub68 said:

hmm are using RCA to connect?

I'm using a 1/4" jack for my Sennheiser HD 6xx.

1 hour ago, rickeo said:

You can try adjusting the bitrate/depth in the Sound control panel for that output device if its the type of crackling i'm guessing it is. 

 

This is what it looks like right now. Would you change it?

[GuiltySpark_]

3 minutes ago, Energycore said:

I'm using a 1/4" jack for my Sennheiser HD 6xx.

 

This is what it looks like right now. Would you change it?

For troubleshooting, change it to anything else. 

[Energycore]

6 minutes ago, rickeo said:

For troubleshooting, change it to anything else. 

Roger that.

[Energycore]

7 minutes ago, rickeo said:

For troubleshooting, change it to anything else. 

Ok so here's some very interesting results.

 

I changed the format from 48KHz to 44.1KHz and the crackling came in REAL HARD.

 

The moment I changed back, no crackling. So it does probably have something to do with that. Let me try 96KHz although I'm sure there's a disadvantage to that sampling frequency

[Energycore]

2 minutes ago, Energycore said:

Ok so here's some very interesting results.

 

I changed the format from 48KHz to 44.1KHz and the crackling came in REAL HARD.

 

The moment I changed back, no crackling. So it does probably have something to do with that. Let me try 96KHz although I'm sure there's a disadvantage to that sampling frequency

No change on 96KHz

[Kilrah]

Did you try with another PC?

[Energycore]

11 minutes ago, Kilrah said:

Did you try with another PC?

I haven't yet. If it presents again I'll try a different PC.

[rice guru]

It seems broken I would honestly replace it and buy something newer the monoprice dac amp is dated and really kinda subpar these days anyway.

[Energycore]

17 minutes ago, rice guru said:

It seems broken I would honestly replace it and buy something newer the monoprice dac amp is dated and really kinda subpar these days anyway.

Oh I know, it's just one of the very few dac amps I can get in Mexico. Unfortunately.

 

I changed the audio depth and sample rate and haven't had the problem since though. I think I just shouldn't run this dac amp at 44.1KHz and I can live with that for the most part.