2. pc-audio
  3. 124337-5723

HELP! Static with my Mac Mini / Ayre QB9 system

I just got my Ayre QB9 DSD upgrade back from Ayre. Couldn't wait to put it back in the system with my 2009 Mac Mini.  Huge disappointment! I'm playing iTunes through Amarra and the static is unbearable! I've tried moving power cables and speaker cables around and nothing seems to affect the noise.  I then took a different Mac Mini I use in the office (latest model... without Amarra installed) and just played iTunes direct to the Ayre QB9. The static was nearly completely gone, but there were still intermittent pops and clicks. Any ideas? Any and all suggestions more than welcome! Thanks! 

cdm

Showing 4 responses by cdm

cdm OP
47 posts
 
I have no preamp. My system amplifier is a Arcam AVR350. I think I've eliminated the Arcam as the cause, since I disconnected the Mac/Ayre QB9 and hooked up an Arcam CD player to the same AVR350 input. The CD player produced no static. So, it's not the amplifier.
cdm OP
47 posts
 
I'm using a USB input. The USB cord is "Ridge Street Audio".

And the file type is aiff. The static is constant, and not at all subtle. And yes, the second mac mini has an internal power supply. It's the latest generation mac. I don't have Amarra on that Mac. It's my office workstation. The static was greatly diminished on the office Mac, but I still got random snapping sounds I've never heard before.

Very frustrating.

cdm OP
47 posts
 
Could it possibly be the USB cable? I doubt it, but I'll try A/B-ing that tomorrow.
cdm OP
47 posts
 
Found the problem! I replaced my $$$ Ridge Street Audio Poiema USB cable with an off-the-shelf USB cable and all static is gone! I didn't think a USB cable could go bad. And I really liked that cable! I guess Ridge Street Audio has gone out of business, because I can't find a website for them.

So, next I have to decided on a new USB cable. Any suggestions?

Thanks for everyone's input. Much appreciated!


 
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