Official of the official - MacBook Does Have Sound Noise / Pop issue - 100%

[alfa147x]

I also have no pop on my 13 inch MBP. I would take your laptop to Apple and see what they said

 

[TheStu]

I also have no pop on my 13 inch MBP. I would take your laptop to Apple and see what they said

I don't hear any pops or anything, but I do hear a background... hiss? when I have just finished playing music or a sound has occurred on the system.

 

[cheez]

I don't hear any pops or anything, but I do hear a background... hiss? when I have just finished playing music or a sound has occurred on the system.

I had that sound too that sounded like electrical noise + pop (or tick?) when using the ear phone.

That *tick* translates *POP* on my external speakers. TICK POP TICK POP POPPPPPPPPPPP WEEE WEEEEEE :thumbsup::thumbsup:


And no I am not going to return my MBP. Tired of returning stuff and I seem to get more problems when getting replacements on anything so I stopped doing it.


UPDATE:

Audioengine D1 DAC has arrived!

Looks like my cables (RCA & Fiber Optic) just arrived but I'm at work.

Fiber Optic to 3.5mm adapter hasn't arrived yet.


When I get home tonite I should be able to use USB connection for the time being.... Stay T-U-N-E-D....

 

[bobdole369]

Your intentions are good, but workarounds like this annoy me. If you're saying that Apple mitigates line level noise by turning the audio circuit on and off which causes the popping sounds, how was such an obvious issue not caught in testing? Also, wouldn't the better fix be to use a better sound chip with a better SNR or simple keep the circuit alive and just deal with the noise? How can you use earphones without the popping if you need to use the Optical output?

This is just like the Iphone signal issues with the bad antennae design and Jobs looking at people straight in the eye and accusing them of holding it wrong. Of course Apple initially denied any problems with the phone, yet released the Verizon Iphone4 with a second antenna which, and this is a shocker, fixed the problem.

To the OP, your obviously using your Macbook improperly. <---- Sarcasm.

I'm not picking on you Slash...I appreciate the response to the OP. I'm just annoyed that Apple still get's the award for best quality product, yet over the past 5 years there have been numerous examples of QC issues.

There doesn't seem to be a fix for this. Your need for perfect audio has exceeded the technical specifications of the machine. For more than a majority of users, this is a non-issue. Myself included. I'm a bit of a prissy audiophile - my fix is to connect to the optical port - no issue there. When using headphones I realize that I'm not using a super clean source. Thats just the way it is. Just like when I'm driving in my Infinity G37, I know that in the back seat I don't have the ball massager/cocksucking port that is inbuilt to the back seat of my Bentley. Sometimes you just gotta sacrifice.

I don't recall anywhere seeing that the MBP is a super clean source, or that it is free of pop and is ultra-low noise. Its a little annoying but so are mosquitoes, but it doesn't stop me from going outside, nor does a bit of noise and pop ruin anything.

You can always isolate it, and/or feed it to a pre-amp so you don't have such a large amplification of it. It should be minimized in that way.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

unless I crank up the Mac volume to 100% like runawayprisoner asked me to try, the pop which then becomes not audible... I still don't like the fact I gotta do that to keep from popping, which is why I'm getting myself an external DAC + Fiber Optic connection.

Just FYI, as far as I can remember (it's been several months since I've been home to use the optical/receiver solution) using the optical line-out effectively disables the volume control on your Mac, i.e. it's 100% all the time. Changing the volume in iTunes still works, or on your amp/speakers/whatever. There is software to switch the volume hotkeys on your keyboard to control iTunes instead of system volume.

 

[cheez]

There doesn't seem to be a fix for this. Your need for perfect audio has exceeded the technical specifications of the machine.

Well, the technical spec doesn't tell everything... it just states what they are and what it supports and what not.... but doesn't say anything about noise and pops (or ticks). Maybe I missed it somewhere?

Its a little annoying but so are mosquitoes, but it doesn't stop me from going outside

I would stay inside....D: Don't want mosquitoes.

nor does a bit of noise and pop ruin anything.

This is questionable, and is a good discussion. I use to use earphones so noise / ticks go right to my ears and bothers me a lot. Now I use A2 speakers for *near field* listening so I hear just as much if not more. The ticks turned into *pop*. But if you are a far field listener where you will be far away from the speakers, a little bit of noise and pops wouldn't be much of an issue.

Also, there appears to be variations among these laptops. One could be just lucky and produce very minor noise / ticks / pops, while the other ones are worse.

Just FYI, as far as I can remember (it's been several months since I've been home to use the optical/receiver solution) using the optical line-out effectively disables the volume control on your Mac, i.e. it's 100% all the time. Changing the volume in iTunes still works, or on your amp/speakers/whatever. There is software to switch the volume hotkeys on your keyboard to control iTunes instead of system volume.

Thanks for your input. I think runawayprisoner said something about that too IIRC. This is why I am getting the external DAC and Fiber Optic connection HEHE! I will let ya all know how it goes.

 

[runawayprisoner]

You can also eliminate noise/pops/hiss by using higher impedance headphones, by the way. Just in case you want to consider upgrading from Etymotic HF5.

 

[cheez]

You can also eliminate noise/pops/hiss by using higher impedance headphones, by the way. Just in case you want to consider upgrading from Etymotic HF5.

What about Etymotic ER4P? is that high impedance?

I like my HF5... but stopped using it since I got the A2 speakers. I personally think these speakers put out better sound than my HF5 even though it's very very good. I think I will rarely use IEM's anymore... they hurt my ear canals... just not comfortable and inconvenient as I have to go bathroom and to kitchen.....

Thanks for the info tho!

 

[runawayprisoner]

It's 27Ohm, so I think it's an improvement over HF5... but not by much. If you want an improvement, try the Etymotic ER-4S. Though that one would most likely require a portable amp as well, due to its impedance being too high. I think around 40Ohm is the sweet spot.

 

[cheez]

Thanks. Doesn't Audioengine D1 act as an amp too though?

Oh me can't wait to get home... the sweet cables are waiting for me!

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Thanks. Doesn't Audioengine D1 act as an amp too though?

Yes. It has a built-in headphone amp.

 

[cheez]

Have the Audioengine D1 DAC.
Got the silver grade RCA cable and Fiber Optic.
Optical to 3.5mm adapter didn't get here yet.

So for now, I hooked em up using USB connection, no fiber optic.

PICX!!

Oops.... cables too short.D_O

Set a box to keep the DAC leveled for now.

Once I get the Optical to 3.5mm adapter I can use the Fiber Optic connection and the cable is 3ft long so that will fix the problem.

USB cable that came with the DAC is too short too as shown in pic above. That will be taken care of as I have the longer one.


Bed time! No time for sound impression yet.

 

[TheStu]

Have the Audioengine D1 DAC.
Got the silver grade RCA cable and Fiber Optic.
Optical to 3.5mm adapter didn't get here yet.

So for now, I hooked em up using USB connection, no fiber optic.

PICX!!

Oops.... cables too short.D_O

Set a box to keep the DAC leveled for now.

Once I get the Optical to 3.5mm adapter I can use the Fiber Optic connection and the cable is 3ft long so that will fix the problem.

USB cable that came with the DAC is too short too as shown in pic above. That will be taken care of as I have the longer one.


Bed time! No time for sound impression yet.

A: How much did that setup cost?
B: You will need to burn them in for a while, probably at least 2 days, run a sound test then.

 

[runawayprisoner]

I'd guess $200 for the speakers + $170 for the DAC/amp, so total runs to $370.

But it should have some serious sounds.

What I'm wondering is how much of an improvement the Audioengine D1 is going to be over the stock MBP DAC.

 

[TheStu]

I'd guess $200 for the speakers + $170 for the DAC/amp, so total runs to $370.

But it should have some serious sounds.

What I'm wondering is how much of an improvement the Audioengine D1 is going to be over the stock MBP DAC.

Well the whole point of this was that he was dissatisfied with the state of the analog output on his MBP complaining of pops and whatnot, hence the title of the thread. My guess is that the ideal is to run the Toslink over to the DAC and have that handle the pure signal.

Man, I wish I had $500 to blow on sound for my setup (I should probably get a new pair of Grados, my SR60s are about 8 years old at this point, and at least early in their life they weren't so well treated)

 

[cheez]

My Initial Setup and Sound Impression!


The thing wasn't working right! Once I plugged em all up and gone to sound under system settings and selected "Audioengine D1" and played the music. I set the volume on the DAC to 10%. iTunes volume to 5%. And it gave me full of distorted sound! D: Full of buzz and distortion no matter how low I set the volume to. In the sound property when I selected this D1 device it says the Mac volume cannot be controlled and it's greyed out. I said WTF... I paid all this money to get full of buzz and distortion.. is this thing defect??

I said what da hell is going on.... the Macbook recognized the device but I get this prob...

I rebooted the Macbook hoping that will fix it... Tried playing music again. Same problem!!!!! WTH....

Ok, I unplugged the USB cable. Plugged back on. AND BAMMM!! It's working now.


First, I hear no pop before and after music or sound is played. It's seems *dead* quiet. I am impressed considering the audio is fed through USB connection!

I *did* hear *tick* or *pop* when switching between headphone output and audioengine D1 output in the sound property. That's the only time I hear this sound. But this isn't a problem as I won't be switching. it will be kept as D1 output and leave it as is.


This one has different sonic signature. The sound does seem a little more "forward" and it's fuller. I did notice treble extension and seems to bring out more detail and more pronounced. The bass is solid, smooth and a bit warmer.

I don't know what to say if it's supposed to be really good or what at this point. I think I like it. Maybe I need some time to get use to this new sound signature? :$ I only played about 5 different songs so far so it's too early to conclude anything...


I am still waiting to receive the Optical to 3.5mm adapter so I can run it through fiber optic connection...


Stay t-u-n-e-d......

A: How much did that setup cost?

A lot. :$ about $500 with shipping. That's including the A2 speakers.

B: You will need to burn them in for a while, probably at least 2 days, run a sound test then.

Good point!! the manufacturer site said something about burn it in too for something like 50 hrs or something? Interesting that these devices require burnin. I thought only the CPU's needed that weee weee

But it should have some serious sounds.

What I'm wondering is how much of an improvement the Audioengine D1 is going to be over the stock MBP DAC.

Definitely different sonic signature already. Even though I only used the first 20 minutes of music listening... I don't know if I like the new sound just yet as I've been very used to the macbook's sound signature... I am currently using the same equalizer setting. I am not sure how it needs to be tuned... something I'll have to play around I guess.

 

[runawayprisoner]

Well the whole point of this was that he was dissatisfied with the state of the analog output on his MBP complaining of pops and whatnot, hence the title of the thread. My guess is that the ideal is to run the Toslink over to the DAC and have that handle the pure signal.

Man, I wish I had $500 to blow on sound for my setup (I should probably get a new pair of Grados, my SR60s are about 8 years old at this point, and at least early in their life they weren't so well treated)

From my experience, Toslink gives just a slight little benefit over line out depending on the gears used.

He mentioned speakers, so I suggested the Audioengine A2 since that seemed to be one of the more cost-effective solutions, but if we go into headphones, I think there are a lot of better cost-effective solutions for critical listening that won't break the bank.

For headphones, I have heard that either the Shure SRH840 or Audio Technica ATH-M50 would be your best bang for the buck around the $100 price range depending on what you are looking for.

Definitely different sonic signature already. Even though I only used the first 20 minutes of music listening... I don't know if I like the new sound just yet as I've been very used to the macbook's sound signature... I am currently using the same equalizer setting. I am not sure how it needs to be tuned... something I'll have to play around I guess.

It's best if you don't have to resort to EQ to get the sound signature you like.

It sounds to me like this is about what I'd expect it to be. But... I think this needs to be repeated: set iTunes volume to 100%, then reduce speakers' volume. Always let the software go to 100% and control everything by analog if you can help it. It's bad if you do it the other way around.

If you find that the sound signature is not a night and day improvement, I wouldn't be surprised. It's only a major improvement if you have the gears to analyze it. The DAC in the MacBook Pro, though not a beast by any standard, is still a pretty good one. Or at least I like its sound signature better.

 

[cheez]

It's best if you don't have to resort to EQ to get the sound signature you like.

That's a good point cause using equalizer can change the intended sound signatures a bit... I will try it with no equalizer and see how that goes.

It sounds to me like this is about what I'd expect it to be. But... I think this needs to be repeated: set iTunes volume to 100%, then reduce speakers' volume. Always let the software go to 100% and control everything by analog if you can help it. It's bad if you do it the other way around.

If you find that the sound signature is not a night and day improvement, I wouldn't be surprised. It's only a major improvement if you have the gears to analyze it. The DAC in the MacBook Pro, though not a beast by any standard, is still a pretty good one. Or at least I like its sound signature better.

Well like I said I only spent first 20 minutes of music listening out of my sparkling new DAC so I gotta give some burnin.... hope that the sound gets even better.

Please note that when this DAC is connected my Mac volume control is locked / greyed out and already set to 100% level.
I will try 100% volume on iTunes then, and control the volume on the speakers or the one on DAC.


Viewers Question to Cheez: So far, do you like Macbook sound better without the D1 DAC?

Cheez's Response: No. While I like the macbook sound signature (it sounds wider, more dynamic-like?) it still lacks something in the music... Sounds a little bit spongy-like, or less life-like. Thanks to my A2 speakers they are doing superb job and making my music almost real music. It was the pop noise that pissed the hell outta me the most. I was like ready to pickup the laptop and throw out da window....:whiste:


Viewers Question to Cheez: What do you like about the D1 DAC?

Cheez's Response: Well first of all, it's quiet as $#@!, no noise, no ticks no pops. Second, the music sounds fuller. It's more life-like. Surprisingly, the bass doesn't seem any stronger than it was without the external DAC. This is based on 5 song I have played with two of them have some smooth bass tones. But like I said I need some more time with this thing....

I think the optical to mini adapter is coming this Friday... if so, I will hook em up that day and see how that goes. Stay tuned...

 

[cheez]

The DAC in the MacBook Pro, though not a beast by any standard, is still a pretty good one. Or at least I like its sound signature better.

I wanted to reassure you that I *do* like Macbook Pro sound signature. Good thing you brought up. I guess you could say it's one of the favorite signatures. I also wanted to add that, to me, and I think you agree that the sound signature in iPad 2 is better than Macbook! I know I was pretty dang impressed with it..... minus the electrical noise and crackling sound.

 

[runawayprisoner]

Actually, since I use amp (Fiio E11) with my MacBook Pro, I find the iPad 2 sound output out of its headphone port... horrible. It's rolling off high frequencies, it's reducing bass impact, and most of all, it boosts mid range non-challantly. It was pretty painful to listen to with my gears.

Out of the line-out via dock, it's not too bad, but dynamic range and soundstage is still a lot better on the MacBook Pro.

I guess it depends on what you are looking for in your music. I like things to be big, expansive, and with vast space, and out of the iPad 2 and the iPhone, though it sounds smoother with the boosted mid-range, it sounds too constricted for me.

 

[cheez]

Actually, since I use amp (Fiio E11) with my MacBook Pro, I find the iPad 2 sound output out of its headphone port... horrible. It's rolling off high frequencies, it's reducing bass impact, and most of all, it boosts mid range non-challantly. It was pretty painful to listen to with my gears.

Well pointed out. Yeah I noticed the mid range seemed a bit strong, but it sounded really good on my HF5 ear buds. The bass did seem to lack coming out of the iPad 2.

I like things to be big, expansive, and with vast space, and out of the iPad 2 and the iPhone, though it sounds smoother with the boosted mid-range, it sounds too constricted for me.

You have great taste in sound. That's what I want too. I don't like small sounds like coming from a small room and too forwarding. My iPod Touch sounded small compare to iPad 2 I had.




I just checked something out and my system was setup wrong! Oops.

This is what it was set to:

Per manufacturers recommended spec I set it to this now.

I don't know if using this setting will improve anything, as I mostly have poor quality 320kbps MP3's.... some I have are from audio CD's. Or will 24 bit depth make these MP3's sound better? or do I need better quality source to make use of this? any ideas? please comment / advise.

 

[runawayprisoner]

Just woke up...

Anyway, forcing a higher sampling rate means the DAC may try to upconvert contents of lower sampling rate, or upsampling if you will.

Technically, if the DAC does a good job of it, everything should sound great. But it won't be a drastic improvement. It'll be like you are taking a 640 x 480 photo and scaling it up to 1280 x 960 by applying filters. It'll look great; sharper and less pixelated, but it won't show you more details because the original photo didn't have it. But looking at the photo at 1280 x 960 is nicer than 640 x 480, right? Especially on a monitor that can show all of those pixels? Well, the same logic applies to music. If your speakers/headphones can show it, then the improvement should smooth things out or make them less grainy... but it won't let you hear people breathing in the background or anything like that if the original recording didn't capture those sounds.

Personally, though, I think the difference between 320kbps and lossless depends on what music you are listening to. If it's super complicated technical music, then yeah, there should be a noticeable loss. If it's some Indie band recorded their song via their MacBook's internal mic, then pray God, even at 96kbps MP3, you won't hear a difference.

 

[cheez]

^ Thanks runawayprisoner. Sorta like similar effect as upconverting 480p source to 720p on video scaler too. Interesting. Yeah after setting it to 96khz / 24bit it seemed sound a little cleaner / clearer. It seems like a solid device.

Still waiting to receive the Optical to mini plug adapter... :\ hoping it comes today. If it doesn't I'll call the vendor and cuss em out!

 

[cheez]

Couldn't wait, so I went to Frys to pick up an Optical to 3.5mm adapter for $2.49. It was a long walk and effort to find that little sucker.


Got it hooked up!

Picx!

As you can see, I moved the USB over to external USB adapter and feed power to my D1 DAC. So the USB port on my Macbook has been freed up.

Now I went to sound property and system already picked up digital signal.

I then set it to 96 khz / 24bit. Notice that Audioengine D1 is no longer there. Digital optical connection took over.

Checking on sound.... Pending.

 

[runawayprisoner]

If I recall correctly, you should be able to set Audio format to 32-bit float.