andlum
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- Jan 3, 2023
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TL;DR:
Getting a steady ticking/clicking noise from my Schiit Modius — only during playback, not silence. Most noticeable via Midgard + Arya, also faintly present via Saga 2. No issues with vinyl, Node’s internal DAC, or my active speakers.
Suspect lack of USB grounding on Modius when using Toslink/Coax causes clock instability.
Considering iFi iPower2 + iDefender+, Tomanek ULPS Mini, or battery-powered USB supply.
Looking for others who’ve had this issue — or solved it.
Hey everyone,
I’m trying to isolate a persistent clicking/ticking noise that occurs during playback when using my Schiit Modius DAC. The ticking is rhythmic, only present while audio is playing, and does not occur in silence.
It’s especially noticeable when listening over headphones (planar), but it seems the source of the issue is the Modius itself — not the amp or cans.
System setup:
Analog chain:
What I’ve already tried:
My current theory:
Modius likely lacks a proper ground/mass reference when run via Coax or Toslink without USB data connected. This may cause clock instability or frequent re-locks, leading to audible ticks — particularly exposed by resolving planars like the Arya.
Has anyone experienced something similar with the Modius, or other Schiit DACs?
Any proven fixes? USB injectors, reclockers, galvanic isolators, etc.?
Happy to provide more details or run tests. Thanks in advance!
Getting a steady ticking/clicking noise from my Schiit Modius — only during playback, not silence. Most noticeable via Midgard + Arya, also faintly present via Saga 2. No issues with vinyl, Node’s internal DAC, or my active speakers.
Suspect lack of USB grounding on Modius when using Toslink/Coax causes clock instability.
Considering iFi iPower2 + iDefender+, Tomanek ULPS Mini, or battery-powered USB supply.
Looking for others who’ve had this issue — or solved it.
Hey everyone,
I’m trying to isolate a persistent clicking/ticking noise that occurs during playback when using my Schiit Modius DAC. The ticking is rhythmic, only present while audio is playing, and does not occur in silence.
It’s especially noticeable when listening over headphones (planar), but it seems the source of the issue is the Modius itself — not the amp or cans.
System setup:
Analog chain:
- Turntable: Technics SL-1200GR
- Phono stage: Lindemann Limetree Phono 1
- Preamp: Schiit Saga 2
- Output: RCA to Midgard, XLR to Neumann KH120 II
- Streamer: Bluesound Node N130
- DAC: Schiit Modius
- Inputs tested: Coax (Mogami 2964), Toslink
- Output: RCA to Schiit Midgard headphone amp
- Headphones: HIFIMAN Arya Stealth
- Everything (except Modius) is connected to a Black Lion Audio PG-P Type F power conditioner
- Modius powered via USB-C to Micro-USB wall adapter (not connected to a computer)
- Clicking/ticking occurs only during playback, no noise in silence
- Most obvious with Modius → Midgard → Arya, but also faintly present when routing Modius into Saga 2 → Midgard
- No ticking when listening
- To vinyl (Saga analog input)
- Using Node’s internal DAC directly to Midgard
- Over Neumann KH120 II monitors (from Saga 2 XLR out)
What I’ve already tried:
- Coax and Toslink → same behavior, with Coax ticking faster
- Multiple power supplies for Modius
- PG-P filtered outlet
- Physical separation of components
- Disconnected phono stage
My current theory:
Modius likely lacks a proper ground/mass reference when run via Coax or Toslink without USB data connected. This may cause clock instability or frequent re-locks, leading to audible ticks — particularly exposed by resolving planars like the Arya.
Has anyone experienced something similar with the Modius, or other Schiit DACs?
Any proven fixes? USB injectors, reclockers, galvanic isolators, etc.?
Happy to provide more details or run tests. Thanks in advance!