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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
audioman2015
103 posts
 
It could be that the $$$ Usb cable could be very sensitive and is transmitting the noise generated by the mac/usb port that would be attenuated by an inexpensive cable.  Computers and USB ports are very noisy devices. 
marktomaras
544 posts
 
Nice.  I use a transparent usb for about $90.  Pretty good, didn't break the bank.
cjlover
20 posts
 
CDM

I also have the Ayre QB9 DSD DAC with a Mac mini as a server. The Audioquest diamond USB cable was a HUGE improvement over several other USB cables I tried. Cardas Transparent Nordost. Night and day difference. In fact I actually took a demo QB 9 back to the dealer when I first heard it with the Transparent cable. 
Bought a Benchmark DAC 2 where I discovered the AQ cable. I realized the USB  cable had a huge impact when we tried the AQ Diamond in a friends CH PRECISION DAC. So give the AQ
diamond a try if you want to hear how good that QB 9 can be! No affiliation with AQ btw. 

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