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Static streaming iMac to Schiit DAC, static

I have a 2019 iMac with latest software and Schiit Gungnir Multibit DAC.  Using Tidal with USB cable.  Getting random static when streaming at all quality levels (normal up to Master).  Have checked my RCA and XLM cables.  Does not occur when using a CD as transport and coax digital cable.  Any ideas or is this a known problem?  Thank you.  

john802
calieng
144 posts
 

Not sure if it is the issue but have heard of incompatibility with some cables and Apple products. There is a chip inside the cable and sometimes a firmware update with the computer makes the cable incompatible. Seems it was more for lightning cables though.

Try a different brand of cable and see if that works.

Is it a USB-C to USB-A cable or is there another adapter involved?

john802 OP
4 posts
 

Thank you.  I just solved it.  I have a USB to optical converter in another system, so I set that up with a short USB cable and long optical cable to the DAC.  Now, no static.  It seems I have some RF in my listening room that the longish USB cable was picking up.  I should have realized this as a recent power cable upgrade made a nice difference, probably in part because of the RF shielding these power cables have.

Thank you for your help.

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