Bghead8che

Hi Guys. I am new to computer audio but consider myself an "audiophile" with more traditional HT and stereo systems. Here's my system: Adam A7X speakers Rythmik Subwoofer Soundblaster ZxR sound card Windows 8.1 Intel based system Issue #1 I currently have the speakers hooked up using the left and right RCA outs from the sound card (using an RCA cable, obviously). The problem I am having is I am getting a lot of cracking and popping on anything that is played through the speakers. After hours of troubleshooting I’ve ruled out the speakers themselves, the sound card, and the RCA cables. Here’s the strange thing. If I move the cables, even in inch, in certain spots the hiss, crack, and popping will disappear. Even stranger, if I don’t plug in the RCA cables all the way flush with the speaker the sounds stop as well. For some reason with the RCA plug right up against the speakers it causes a problem. If I slightly pull the RCA plug out, it stops. I’ve tried 5 different sets of RCA (all well shielded), no luck. I tried using the internal sound card with an RCA cable adapter, no luck. I’ve tried using other computer speakers and the problem goes away. Also, if I hook up the Adam speakers in my HT they work fine. So obviously there is some issue with my computer, soundcard, cables, and speakers being used together. Can anyone think of something I can try? I’m stumped! I just can’t figure out how to fix the issue short of buying new speakers which I don’t want to do. Maybe it’s some kind of ground loop issue? Issue #2 Is it normal to have some hiss coming from the speakers when nothing is playing? The hiss is not super loud or anything but I’m sensitive to the sound. I’m just wondering if its normal to hear hiss coming from the speakers when they are turned up half way? Since they are on my computer desk I am only 3-4 feet back. Issue #3 I’d like to try my internal soundcard using a 3.5mm to RCA cable adapter so see if the problems go away. A cable like this: http://www.computercableinc.com/ccinc/images/CABLE-2-RCA-Male-to-3-5mm-Stereo-PREMIUM-CableWholeseale.jpg The issue I am having is most of these cables do enough space between the left and right RCA cables to hook up my speakers. My speakers are at least 40 inches apart so I need the RCA cables to either split or have an extra-long lead. Does anyone know where I can find a cable like this? Also, is there an “audiophile” 3.5mm to RCA cable that is not pure junk? Issue #4 What is the best way to hook up my subwoofer? I want the purest signal and best sounding option. My ZxR card only has left and right audio outs. However it does have an 3.5MM “center and subwoofer” out. Could I buy a 3.5mm to RCA adaptor and hook I up to my subwoofer that way? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help or advice on ANY of these issues. I would love to listen to my speakers and move on! -Brian

Hi Guys, I am familiar with HT and home audio but I am a computer audio virgin. I want to assemble a 2.1 channel system for my computer. My system thus far: Windows 8 Asus IV Hero Maximus mobo Rythmik subwoofer I will be setting 25-35 inches from the speakers (they will be on my desk). I am about ready to pull the trigger on a pair of Adam Audio A7X or A5X speakers. So the only thing I need at this point is advice on DAC and/or sound card. I was thinking of using the digital out on my mobo and buying a dedicated DAC (Bitfrost, myDAC, Musical Fidelity, etc). However, I am now thinking of just buying a dedicated sound card and using that as a headphone amp and DAC. I am looking at the Sound Blaster ZxR card. I would then just run the RCA left and right out to the A7X's RCA inputs. The ZxR has a few advantages over a dedicated outboard DAC. Mainly price, integration (inside comp), and headphone jack. Am I crazy to just use the sound card? Or should I just use the mobo's digital out, not buy a sound card, and buy a dedicated DAC instead? Lastly, am I missing anything that would be required to run the system? I assume the only thing else I would need is RCA cables. Thanks in advance for any help and advice. Right now everything is subject to change. ;-) -Brian