Persistent snap, crackle, hiss ...

[Gerry D]

Hi.
I need advice please.
I have an Arcam RDac powered by the wall wart supply that came in the box.

When playing via USB and optical cables it's grand.
But when playing via digital coax theirs a lot of intermittent crackles.

The coax is from Sonos fed by NAS hard drive files into the rDac.

Good quality interconnects from rDac to amp.

Any body got any ideas on this ?
How do I see if it's the dac, the Sonos or the hard drive ?

Also, this may seem terribly naive, can the rDac, power supply is 6 V., be powered by 4 AA rechargable batteries directly to bare ends on a cable with suitable jack plug on the end ?
would there be any benefit in this on sound /
Is there any risk of damage to the Dac ?

Appreciate any help ye can offer.

Thanks,
Gerry

[Fran]

My past experience would say that it's the wallwart psu that's causing the noise. I've had exactly the same stuff here too.

I don't think 4 aa batteries would give you enough current for the dac... as to risks well it would come from hooking it up backwards etc. A nice little linear supply is what you need to sort out your issues....

[Gerry D]

Thanks Fran.
And I know you said that to me before. Is that something I can pick up in Maplins type shop ?
Is there a recommended maker/supplier ?
Thanks V Much.

[Fran]

What you want is a linear 6V supply......

I don't know if Maplin do one or not..... what current rating is the one you need. If you loko at your existing one it should say something like 750mA or something like that....


Fran

[Gerry D]

Cheers Fran.
It's 6 v. and 600 mA.

Looks like a Nokia plug top charger and feels lighter than one ! So I guess it isn't up to much.