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HELP! Static with my Mac Mini / Ayre QB9 system

I just got my Ayre QB9 DSD upgrade back from Ayre. Couldn't wait to put it back in the system with my 2009 Mac Mini.  Huge disappointment! I'm playing iTunes through Amarra and the static is unbearable! I've tried moving power cables and speaker cables around and nothing seems to affect the noise.  I then took a different Mac Mini I use in the office (latest model... without Amarra installed) and just played iTunes direct to the Ayre QB9. The static was nearly completely gone, but there were still intermittent pops and clicks. Any ideas? Any and all suggestions more than welcome! Thanks! 

cdm
cdm OP
47 posts
 
Found the problem! I replaced my $$$ Ridge Street Audio Poiema USB cable with an off-the-shelf USB cable and all static is gone! I didn't think a USB cable could go bad. And I really liked that cable! I guess Ridge Street Audio has gone out of business, because I can't find a website for them.

So, next I have to decided on a new USB cable. Any suggestions?

Thanks for everyone's input. Much appreciated!


 
gocubs999
156 posts
 
Thats great! I had the original Ayre QB9 (non-DSD)  and the Ridge Street Audio Poiema USB cable, along with several others. I never liked the cable compared to the Transparent Performance USB and a couple of others I tried. Did enjoy the Hi Rez Disk Ridge Street sent with the cable though. 

Have demoed numerous USB cables and in my system the Audioqest Carbon has sounded the best. That included a comparison to the much more expensive Diamond....go figure. also used the Wireworld Starlight 7, Total DAC and others. they do sound different to my ears....enjoy the search.


gocubs999
156 posts
 
CDM,
Take a look at this when you get a chance. There seems to be agreement that an effective USB cable must have an impedance of 90 Ohms. They indicate comments made by Gordon Rankin who founded Wavelength Audio and help design the Ayre QB9.

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f8-general-forum/gordon-rankin-says-im-wrong-about-universal-seria...
audioman2015
103 posts
 
It could be that the $$$ Usb cable could be very sensitive and is transmitting the noise generated by the mac/usb port that would be attenuated by an inexpensive cable.  Computers and USB ports are very noisy devices. 
marktomaras
544 posts
 
Nice.  I use a transparent usb for about $90.  Pretty good, didn't break the bank.
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