2. pc-audio
  3. 126511-75799

New system with periodic sound dropouts

Within the last 2 months I've gotten new speakers (Monitor Audio Gold 300), pre-amp (Primare Pre32) and power amp (Primare A32).  Since setting it up, there are times when my DAC loses the signal and no music plays for 1 - 2 seconds.  Other times music plays flawlessly with no dropouts.  I just tested the outlet where my gear is plugged in and got voltage readings between 123.5 - 125.9 (but I only had one drop out and that was earlier in the day).  My subdivision is less than 5 years old and all of our utilities are underground.  I've been considering an AC conditioner or regenerator. Do I really need one?  If power isn't the problem does anyone have an idea as to why my DAC sometimes loses the music signal?
mewsickbuff

Showing 7 responses by mewsickbuff

mewsickbuff OP
233 posts
 
To clarify a bit more, dropouts never happen when listening to the CDP.  They only occur when listening to music servers (JRiver Media Center or Signalyst HQ Player) on my less than 2 year old Windows 10 computer. 
mewsickbuff OP
233 posts
 
My computer is a Dell Inspiron 3847 desktop connected wirelessly to AT&T’s network. The Microsoft Windows Update came through 9/30/2016. All music is stored on the internal hard drive.  Forgot to mention I also have a new 4 foot usb cable. Never had problems with the old 1 meter cable. Switching back to see if there’s a difference.
mewsickbuff OP
233 posts
 
Thanks for the advice, Erik.  I have no other USB devices connected and I've told the AV software not to scan any of my music files.  But am I correct in understanding that you're advising me to disconnect from my home network (so as not to be able to access the internet)?
mewsickbuff OP
233 posts
 
Great research, Al. My computer came with Windows 10 and has a 1 TB hard drive with 8 GB RAM . It defragments weekly so no problem there. I don't know which USB ports are 3.0 or 2.0. There are 6 USB ports on the back panel but the only things connected are the DAC & a wireless keyboard and mouse signal (thingy). There are 2 unused USB ports on the front. So far today, after suggested alterations, (thanks everyone) I've heard no drop outs. Will keep my fingers crossed.
mewsickbuff OP
233 posts
 
I would hardwire IF the modem/router box were in the same vicinity but it isn’t. It’s in the bedroom (closer to the home office) while my stereo equipment and computer are in the living room. Google Fiber comes Thursday, hopefully its signal is stronger.
mewsickbuff OP
233 posts
 
Still experiencing drop outs so I've given up. I'm listening to CD's on my computer's DVD RW drive and they sound great! Once Google is up and running I'll do more testing with the ripped FLAC files on JRiver and Signalyst HQ. If that proves a failure I might connect the computer to the bedroom modem by running an Ethernet cable down to and across the basement.
mewsickbuff OP
233 posts
 
Wednesday I disabled the wireless adapter and had no further dropouts. Thursday I enabled it (after Google Fiber was installed) & I've had no drop outs. Google's box transmits per coaxial and there's an ethernet connection on the rear of the box. If I experience future dropouts I will connect.
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