click/switch noise on PC to DAC

[Mike56]

Hope you found how to show the folder tree ok now?

Click/switch noises seem to have returned.........not sure what i might have done, all ideas welcome.
Meanwhile i looked up my DAC and it says its 24 bit, my output is set for 18, if i go to 24 it says unsupported, again, any ideas welcome!

 

[sajunky]

Quick search indicate that USB receiver has 16-bit limitation:

Apple's USB Prober utility identified the Gem as using a USB transceiver from "Burr-Brown from Texas Instruments Japan" operating in isochronous adaptive mode. It also indicated that the data were limited to 16-bit resolution and sample rates of 32, 44.1, and 48kHz, which is what is offered by the Burr-Brown PCM2704 the Gem uses. The Gem's specification of "DAC Sample Frequencies: 44kHz–96kHz (sample rate determined by connection)" may be factually correct but could be misleading; though the actual DAC chip might operate up to 96kHz, all USB and Bluetooth data sources with which the Gem can be used will be limited to a maximum rate of 48kHz, due to the hardware issues.

Source: Chord Chordette Gem D/A processor Measurements | Stereophile.com

 

[Mike56]

Thanks SAJunky, i guess this unit today might be quite limiting for my audio quality, its not as good as my vinyl source for sure, I might look at an upgrade if there is that magic formula of a really good DAC for very little money, there again i might even consider an active OB speaker with DAC and convince myself its all good value........do USB cables make any difference in your opinion please?