NuForce uDAC-5 DAC/Amp Discussions | Drop

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NuForce uDAC-5 DAC/Amp

Audiophile

FULL DISCUSSION

Uncleman

Sep 15, 2017

I had one of these. I have to say that the sound quality is mesmerizing. It's far better than my Dacmagic XS or Dacport Slim. The bass is very powerful and precise. But, there was serious issue with weird interference noise which appears after a short period of operation and occurs on most volume knob positions. I tested it on 3 different laptops, with battery and AC and one desktop PC. The problem followed every setup. I returned the first unit and got a replacement but the noise issue was there still. Sometimes I could find a position from the volume with no noise but found that the noise follows eventually so I ended up returning the second device as well. It was a real shame because I absolutely loved the sound quality!

Sep 15, 2017

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bbisset

Sep 30, 2017

UnclemanI experienced the exact same issue with mine. The work around is replace the digital cable with one equipped with ferrite chokes. I still have mine as for the initial cost, the sound is superb. I also have an Aune X1S which in my mind is a tad better sound stage.

Sep 30, 2017

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Uncleman

Sep 30, 2017

bbissetWell I tried did swap the standard cable to a cable with ferrites on both ends but that did not change anything... Nice to hear that it helped you though :)

Sep 30, 2017

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bbisset

Oct 1, 2017

UnclemanI would say that it didn't 'fix' it, but reduced it?

Oct 1, 2017

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bbisset

Oct 5, 2017

UnclemanHmm... i am not sure if this is relevant especially as you got rid of yours, but I just discovered that it was primarily due to the fact I plugged the new ferrite choked cable into the back of my computer... those USBs attached to the motherboard. These USBs inherently have a great deal less EM interference than those routed up to the front of the machine. I've known this for *years*, but I sort of forgot, lol.
For what it's worth, this should be the only way audio gear is cabled from one's computer.

Oct 5, 2017

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Uncleman

Oct 6, 2017

bbissetWell if there was an actual remedy for the issue I would probably buy one again because I loved the sound quality :) Unfortunately changing the USB ports did nothing for my situation. I tested the uDAC5 with 3 different laptops (Windows, Linux, Macbook) while they were on battery and AC power. I also tested it with my desktop PC's front and motherboard USB connectors. The interference appeared every time with both uDAC5 units. Trust me, I did want to give up on the device so I tried every possible setup. Of course there's a possibility that all my headphones are just too sensitive for the uDAC5, I tried 4 different sets :/

Oct 6, 2017

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Sanvg

Dec 26, 2017

UnclemanHi there I has a similar experience with the AudioEngine D1 I bought and I managed to solve the problem by using an 'USB isolator'. I got this one from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.de/USB-ISO-USB-galvanisch-trennen/dp/B007B2EWBI/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1514309279&sr=8-5&keywords=usb+isolator
I can't remember how it works exactly but it removed all interference for me.

Dec 26, 2017