I just purchased a Weis 204 DAC to replace my Chord QuTest.
I noticed after a while of listening that there would be periodic pops that sound like static in the left speaker that I never heard with the QuTest. I also hear some unwanted noise in the left channel that sounds like background static. I know this isn’t from the recording since it doesn’t happen with the QuTest and the right speaker is completely silent.
After some swapping of components, I finally swapped the RCA Left/Right output cables on the back of the Weiss and the pops and noise moved to the right channel.
There is where I need a SANITY check of my diagnosis and logic:
Since the power amp’s right and left channels are connected directly to the right and left speakers and were not changed, and the noise moves to the other channel and speaker when I swap the output cables from the DAC, I’m assuming that the issue is NOT coming from the power amp or pre-amp.
Other things that point to the DAC:
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I NEVER heard this noise with the QuTest DAC.
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The problem happens with two different RCA analog cables from the DAC to the pre-amp - and the current cable is a NEW high-end Chord RCA analog cable.
Just looking for a SANITY CHECK before sending the Weiss back for replacement. Thanks in advance!
Below is a list of my current components.
Source Components:
- Streamer: Aurender N10 (playing local 24/192 files, not streaming over Wi-Fi)
- DAC: Weiss 204 (connected via AudioQuest Carbon digital coaxial cable)
Amplification:
- Pre-Amplifier: Naim NAC282
- Power Amplifier: Naim NAP200
- Power Supply: Naim HiCap (powers NAC282 and NAP200)
Speakers and Subwoofers:
- Speakers: Harbeth Bookshelf speakers