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Loud fizz with brand new Parasound Halo Integrated amplifier

Connecting my MacBook Pro to my new Parasound Halo Integrated amplifier. The connection is from MacBook’s USB A into Halo’s USB B. Music from iTunes plays but there’s pretty loud distortion/hissing. Not during the quiet parts of songs, though. Only when certain music frequencies play. Does anyone have an idea of what’s going on here?

When I plug a small Fiios headphone amp into the Mac’s USB A and listen to iTunes through headphones, no issues. So I don’t think the USB port of the Mac is malfunctioning.

The USB A-to-USB B cable is not the culprit, either. It’s a new Audioquest cable, and when I use my old cheap cable, the problem still exists.

BTW the Halo plays CDs beautifully. The fizz is apparent only with music through its USB. Haven’t tried the Halo’s phono input.

I’m hoping there’s some setting that I just need to adjust to eliminate the USB fizz. Otherwise, I will return/exchange the Parasound Halo.
luckybystander
erik_squires
16,059 posts
 
This happens to me when a DAC fails to lock. I switch to a radio station which is 96 kHz/24 bits, and every now and then my DAC thinks it is 44/16. Oddly, it mostly sounds OK. My housekeeper can't hear a difference, but I notice the distortion immediately.

Try adjusting your Macbook's output rate.
luckybystander OP
3 posts
 
Thanks so much, Erik.  I think you've zeroed in on the issue.  When I change the Macbook's output rate, the fizz gets adjusted (with some rates, it seems to go away; with other rates, the fizz is lessened; with other rates, the fizz is pretty loud).  

The Parasound is supposed to have a very good DAC, or so I thought.  Is the failure to lock just something that some DACs don't do, or do you think my Parasound's failure to lock indicates I just got a defective model?  I have about a week before I'm outside the 30-day period with the seller (Audio Advisor).  My big question now is whether, if I exchange my Parasound for a replacement of the exact same model, will the replacement be able to lock, or is this an inherent issue with the Parasound Halo Integrated.  What do you think?
erik_squires
16,059 posts
 
The Parasound ZDac is an excellent unit, and Richard is very proud of the DAC in the integrated, so I think Parasound knows how to make reliable good sounding DACs. I would consider it defective. I have never heard of a defect with a Parasound Integrated, and this would be a big one.

Just make sure your Mac is outputing a signal within the DAC’s appropriate sample rate range.

For kicks, you might want to google your integrated and your Mac to see if there are any tips/tricks.

Best,

E
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