Is my Dac/Amp cooked?

[PopsicleHustler]

Hi all

 

So I just encountered this issue. I have annoying static in my headset. I've had this setup for 5 years. Audiotechnica R70x headphones and FiiO K5 Pro Amp/Dac. Before that, I hadn't had any static noise whatsoever. Today I got home, turned on my PC, and heard an annoying static like from an old TV when it's not tuned to a channel. Not very loud, but very noticeable, especially when pausing a video.

 

When I plug headphones directly into the motherboard audio header, there is no noise. Audio is crisp but lower because those are fairly high-impedance. 

 

I haven't changed anything in my setup, no new USB devices, no new drivers.

 

What could it be?

[thrasher_565]

you using the optical in?

 

if you might be the 1/4 conetor

[PopsicleHustler]

26 minutes ago, thrasher_565 said:

you using the optical in?

 

if you might be the 1/4 conetor

No, I'm using USB.

[Psittac]

Has anything on the setup changed? Like power cables or anything?  Could be some kind of ground loop.  Try a different USB cable but if I had to guess if that doesn't do it then it could be on it's way out.

[Blue4130]

1 hour ago, PopsicleHustler said:

No, I'm using USB.

Plug it into a different source like a phone, tv, tablet. If it still makes the sound, then it sounds like it is on the way out.

 

Also, I see that it has an external power brick, could also try another power source. It could be introducing noise if the brick is crapping out.