Help with noisy soundcard

[davidlzimmer]

I hope this is the right thread. javascript:smilie('')
wink

You guys seem pretty sharp, so here is my problem. I recently bulit a chipamp (form Brian Bell) and the thing has absolutely surpassed my expectations of quality and power. The problem is with my soundcard. I get a buzz/hum only when using the PC as a source. No one else notices it, nor does it effect the enjoyment of listening. But, I know it's there and it bugs me. I have made all the standard ground loop test and subsituded sources and cables to come to the conclusion that the noise is generated from the soundcard it's self.

I downloaded a "freeby" analizer and found that with everything muted, the card is generating a 66htz signal at about .18 volts. This is a CHEAP built in soundcard but is the buzz a result of the switching power supply?

Would a quality soundcard help or would I still get the buzz because of the power supply? How bout a USB sound card with it's own separate PSU?

Thank you in advance for sharring in knowledge or experience.

[hugobors]

Hello,

Maybe you can try to solder some condensator between the + and ground of the dac chip, if possible. If it's a built-in sound card of your mother board, it could be hard...

I think the best solution for you is to buy an external sound card but with external alimentation, not powered by usb (if the noise come from psu, same problem)

Hugues

[davidlzimmer]

Hugues,

Thanks.

I agree about the USB card with it's own supply. Was just wondering if anyone had the same problem and how they solved it.