"Shouty" treble with hi res files


When listening to many of my purchased high resolution files, I have experienced what I can only describe as (1) strange 'shouty' treble coming at certain times (usually not very long - just for one part of a passage at certain frequencies) from my system, together with (2) very etched highs overall. I usually purchase the 192/24 FLAC format files. 

For example, this occurred on files of REM's Automatic for the People and Out of Time in the 192/24 formats, while my CD burn to FLAC of the same albums does not produce these sounds. I have tried two different DACS (Rega DAC and the Halide HD Dac) with the same result, and two different speakers (Tannoy HPD and Tekton Lore S).

This occurs on other albums I have purchased on high res formats as well, but I cannot make the comparison to the burn version from the CDs.

The etched highs I guess I can understand come from having an uncompressed full range file format that perhaps would sound better on a more expensive system. But the short but annoying episodes of the 'shouts' I cannot explain.

Any similar experiences and/or thoughts on how to remedy? 

My system is: Macbook Pro - Audirvanna - Halide DAC HD - Hegel H400 - vintage Tannoy HPD speakers.

Thank you  
128x128skoczylas

Showing 1 response by lowrider57

As mentioned, it might be your DAC. But it could be the USB cable you’re using. A USB connection from computer to DAC can often cause undesired noise and jitter.
What brand and length of cable are you using?

A S/PDIF reclocking device might help reduce jitter and clean up noise generated from your Macbook.
Also, if you are running other programs on your Mac, the performance of music files can be degraded.
 A computer which is dedicated to music files and playback is preferred for best SQ.