kingstoler wrote:Hello, new ADI 2 DAC Fs owner here.
So my issue is when I use the RCA out to an external amp (Burson Conductor) I get a lot of noise, especially when I move my mouse. Even when the ADI is on standby. I had no problems when I first got it, (at least from what I could notice), and it started after I updated to the latest firmware. I use USB from my PC to ADI, RCA out to Burson.
Edit: The issue is ONLY when the USB cable is connected while using RCA out. It works fine via optical, and USB is fine when using only ADI's amp. Any suggestions on what I could do?
I would recommend to separate this Burson of yours and ADI from each other permanently from degrading ADI´s performance. Donate Burson to Unicef or throw out of window, for example.
ADI can deliver +22 dBU (9,8 Vrms, 13,8 Vp) of voltage to cans. It does this with impeccable headphone amplifier other properties:
-VERY large current (voltage x current = power) reserves
-VERY little noise
-VERY low output impedance.
+22 dBu is a very large signal level (voltage) for headphones. Most normal headphones can´t even handle this much i.e. their drivers clip or they distort otherwise earlier or much earlier. Distorted or not, the end result (sound pressure level) by putting +22 dBu to any headphone, is ears blowing.
So one does not need to be particular Audio Einstein to derive the audio relativity theory -level circle conclusion that ADI DOES NOT NEED ADDITIONAL AMPLIFIERS for headphone use in 99,5% of use cases. It does so in case of passive SPEAKERS only. For line level operations, i.e. for headphones and active speakers, its fully armed driver by itself.
Most likely practical consequency of hanging extra amplifiers to ADI´s ass is massive penalty shot to its excellent SNR; ADI´s ~115 dB SNR values are definitely gone. Plus very possible ground-loop -related extra problems, like in your case with this Burson.
Now as a sign of amendment, show your ADI the esteem it deserves: by giving it the full and exclusive amplification & playback responsibility in your headphone system.