Topping A90 Static Issues (help please)

[bigvibe1739]

Just got this beauty and I was super excited for some A/B and enjoying my music Unfortunately, I am starting to hear white noise/hiss and more noise when I move my mouse when I'm plugged into the Topping.

Topping > Grace SDAC > Motherboard

Can someone give any tips on fixing this

 

[JohnYang1997]

 

[JohnYang1997]

You can also get a balanced SDAC or upgrade to a balanced DAC like schiit modius or soncoz la-qxd1

 

[raindance]

Get a USB to spdif/optical converter and run optical instead of USB. Your computer is the issue.

 

[JohnYang1997]

Get a USB to spdif/optical converter and run optical instead of USB. Your computer is the issue.

That should work too but SDAC doesn't have toslink input.

 

[Stephen]

I also had some issues: clicks and distortion with the A90. I fixed everything changing USB plug position (plugging it as far as possible from Bluetooth/Wifi antenna), I have a USB-C plug at the back of my computer and used it to provide power to my DAC LA-QXD1, so I also changed that: now it has an independant charger. So now: USB PC -> USB LX-QXD1 -> XLR A90 -> XLR Neuman KH120A and HD650 work like a bliss.

 

[bigvibe1739]

Thank you @JohnYang1997. Loving the sound coming from your product. Heard some of my own music in ways I never had. Hoping I can find a fix to this ground loop. I will try that USB plug. Will also try a DAC with SPDIF today and report back

 

[mt196]

Just put electrical tape on the gnd pin of the USB cable you use for the Dac, that should solve it in the cheapest way possible

 

[bigvibe1739]

Just put electrical tape on the gnd pin of the USB cable you use for the Dac, that should solve it in the cheapest way possible

Whatttt lol actually? I'm learning new things everyday

 

[mt196]

Whatttt lol actually? I'm learning new things everyday

I did it with mine and there is no noise, you just have to be precise in putting the tape just on that pin, you can help yourself with a needle.

Now I am waiting a custom USB with no gnd pin from pexon cables, to have a cleaner result

 

[bigvibe1739]

That's very interesting. I was hoping I wouldn't have to spend another 50-100$ on top of this. Will report back after some testing and when my M500 comes in the mail this afternoon

 

[JohnYang1997]

That's very interesting. I was hoping I wouldn't have to spend another 50-100$ on top of this. Will report back after some testing and when my M500 comes in the mail this afternoon

There little chance having it since they have balanced connections.

 

[bigvibe1739]

That's a relief! Thanks for clarifiying and for being so quick to support this

 

[Martin]

Just put electrical tape on the gnd pin of the USB cable you use for the Dac, that should solve it in the cheapest way possible

Even better yet put tape over both the power and ground pins. The cheapskates guide to making a data only USB cable.

Martin

 

[bigvibe1739]

Seems like it requires surgery lol! Any video guides?

 

[mt196]

Even better yet put tape over both the power and ground pins. The cheapskates guide to making a data only USB cable.

Martin

My DACs doesn't work when power is not connected, that is why I just suggested to pin the ground

 

[Martin]

My DACs doesn't work when power is grounded that is why I just suggested to pin the ground

The USB cables I use between my NUC and D50 and my Raspberry Pi and DX7 Pro are data only: no ground and no power. I started with electrical tape over the pins but now use custom built cables.

Martin

 

[bigvibe1739]

The USB cables I use between my NUC and D50 and my Raspberry Pi and DX7 Pro are data only: no ground and no power. I started with electrical tape over the pins but now use custom built cables.

Martin

That's badass. you build them yourself? Very intrigued about this process

 

[Martin]

I bought DIY kits from Zap Cables and simply left the power and ground wires disconnected.

Martin

 

[bigvibe1739]

I bought DIY kits from Zap Cables and simply left the power and ground wires disconnected.

Martin

Thanks for the tip, they looks like a great company too!