PC Sound problem

Posted by: MartinCA on 06 August 2010

Not really a Naim issue, but ....

I get distorted sound from my PC regardless of:
(1) I play over speakers, headphones, or screen speakers
(2) which sound card is being usind (X-fi or Realtek)
(3) whether I am using iTunes, Windows media or Youtube
(4) what the volume settings are

The only way I avoid distortion is by outputting to the NDAC via an Airport Express

Any suggestions as to what the problem is?

Martin

Posted on: 06 August 2010 by pcstockton

Bad DAC in your soundcard it seems.

Get a new soundcard or USB/spdif converter. I recommend ESI Juli@.

-Patrick

Posted on: 06 August 2010 by MartinCA

I initially thought it would be the sound card too - but its the same for the Realtek as for the X-fi
Makes no sense to me - can't think what else it would be unless there's some setting conflict going on. But where?
Martin

Posted on: 06 August 2010 by pcstockton

Bad mobo???

Posted on: 06 August 2010 by MartinCA

Maybe - no other symptoms other mother board problems though.

Posted on: 07 August 2010 by Occean

Have you tried disabling one card in the system properties?

Posted on: 07 August 2010 by MartinCA

Ah - that set me on the right track. There were two different problems which I assumed were part of the same thing. I think the X-Fi card is getting interference (from a relatively new additional disk drive which is sitting too close to it within the case). Whilst the Realtek had 'benefitted' from someone (my son) fiddling with a sound effects setting. With the X-Fi and the Sound-effects both disabled everything returned to normal.