Headphone stuttering only when using balanced connection

[maximum3535]

I recently received my Hifiman Edition XS and I noticed the stock SE cable results in no issues when connected to my Moondrop Dawn Pro - iPad. There are also no issues when using either the stock cable or my balanced Faaeal cable when connected to my dawn pro - Windows 10 PC.

However, when I try using the balanced cable/output with my iPad, the audio would start stuttering (completely turning on and off several times in a row for a split second each time) during busy passages at high volumes - there's a very specific volume threshold where if you go one notch above the stuttering comes back. This occurs consistently at certain busy parts of a song, and occurs even if the entire setup is completely still with no movement. With the other setups (iPad+SE or Windows+SE/balanced), I'm able to increase the volume much louder than the stuttering threshold.

I was wondering if anyone could confirm

1. That this isn't an issue with my Hifimans, or my balanced cable

2. If this is an issue of my dac firmware interacting with apple software? If so, is this an issue on Moondrop's end or Apple's end? I've read there's some stuttering issues with macbooks and external dacs, not sure if that applies to my iPad and balanced output specific issue.

 

[Jimbob54]

I recently received my Hifiman Edition XS and I noticed the stock SE cable results in no issues when connected to my Moondrop Dawn Pro - iPad. There are also no issues when using either the stock cable or my balanced Faaeal cable when connected to my dawn pro - Windows 10 PC.

However, when I try using the balanced cable/output with my iPad, the audio would start stuttering (completely turning on and off several times in a row for a split second each time) during busy passages at high volumes - there's a very specific volume threshold where if you go one notch above the stuttering comes back. This occurs consistently at certain busy parts of a song, and occurs even if the entire setup is completely still with no movement. With the other setups (iPad+SE or Windows+SE/balanced), I'm able to increase the volume much louder than the stuttering threshold.

I was wondering if anyone could confirm

1. That this isn't an issue with my Hifimans, or my balanced cable

2. If this is an issue of my dac firmware interacting with apple software? If so, is this an issue on Moondrop's end or Apple's end? I've read there's some stuttering issues with macbooks and external dacs, not sure if that applies to my iPad and balanced output specific issue.

My guess is the dongle is trying to draw more power than the iPad can /will supply at the more demanding peaks you refer to .

 

[staticV3]

@maximum3535 Does your iPad use Lightning or USB-C?

 

[maximum3535]

@maximum3535 Does your iPad use Lightning or USB-C?

Lightning port

 

[maximum3535]

My guess is the dongle is trying to draw more power than the iPad can /will supply at the more demanding peaks you refer to .

How come it's able to output much larger volume in SE mode with no issue?

 

[Jimbob54]

How come it's able to output much larger volume in SE mode with no issue?

No clue. Just a guess as to why.

 

[staticV3]

Lightning port

Try another Lightning to USB-C OTG adapter. They come with different max current.
Perrhaps another adapter will get rid of that OCP stutter.

Here's a list of these adapters (ignore the colored squares):

iPhone cables for the 9038S&D

Yes/No 14 Pro (Max),14 (Plus),SE 2022,13 Pro (Max),13 (Mini),12 Pro (Max),12 (Mini),SE 2020,11 Pro (Max),11,XR,XS (Max),X,8 (Plus),7 (Plus),SE 2016,6S (Plus) <a href="https://www.audioconcierge.co.uk/portfolio/paw-s1-lightning-cable/">Lotoo</a>,S,2,2,2,2,<a href="https://discord.com/channels/483...

docs.google.com

 

[maximum3535]

No clue. Just a guess as to why.

Actually, just tried using a multimeter lying around (https://www.amazon.com/Eversame-Multimeter-Voltmeter-Indicator-DC3-6-30V/dp/B07JYVPLLJ) and balanced output definitely consumes more current (up to 0.19) at the stuttering threshold when busier passages happen compared to SE output (up to 0.13, even when set painfully louder than the stuttering threshold for balanced). I think you might be right!

 

[maximum3535]

Try another Lightning to USB-C OTG adapter. They come with different max current.
Perrhaps another adapter will get rid of that OCP stutter.

Here's a list of these adapters (ignore the colored squares):

iPhone cables for the 9038S&D

Yes/No 14 Pro (Max),14 (Plus),SE 2022,13 Pro (Max),13 (Mini),12 Pro (Max),12 (Mini),SE 2020,11 Pro (Max),11,XR,XS (Max),X,8 (Plus),7 (Plus),SE 2016,6S (Plus) <a href="https://www.audioconcierge.co.uk/portfolio/paw-s1-lightning-cable/">Lotoo</a>,S,2,2,2,2,<a href="https://discord.com/channels/483...

docs.google.com

TY, I currently have a lightning-usbc from tanchjim since I liked the look and it felt durable, what do you think Fiio LT1-LT3? I was also looking at that before

 

[staticV3]

TY, I currently have a lightning-usbc from tanchjim since I liked the look and it felt durable, what do you think Fiio LT1-LT3? I was also looking at that before

They don't say how much current it unlocks and I have no reports of other people using it.
I have no thoughts regarding the LT1-LT3.

 

[maximum3535]

They don't say how much current it unlocks and I have no reports of other people using it.
I have no thoughts regarding the LT1-LT3.

Yeah I think I might go with the meenova or such instead, would rather use something that's more known.