Audio "pops with USB DAC for the first fraction of a second.

Yes, other peripheral devices, including a Xmod USB sound card work fine.

I've heard numerous people make similar complaints about static and popping with the TubeMagic but nobody seems to have found the culprit. I think I've localized the problem to motherboard static, USB power surges or voltage under supply, and/or drivers. I'd sincerely appreciate any guesses as how plausible any of these possible causes are for static and popping through the speakers alongside a "popping" from the DAC.

Two types of "pops" sound from the actual hardware. One sounds like a jittering buzz I associate with static. The other is a "clicking" sound identical to that made by a XonarSTX on start up or when switching modes. I'm not worried about this second type, as I understand that is the sound of transistors powering up.

But are having a hard time accepting that the product has a defect. Since it is defective, return it and don't use it again.
Bob

It's not defective under all circumstances. It's only problematic depending on what USB port it is plugged into.

And does not work in all ports. All this means is that there is no reason to keep it unless you can live with a crappy thing.
Bob

Thanks for your help, Bob. I'm confident you're right that it's a hardware malfunction but I'm trending toward thinking the problem is due to a design defect.

One more question, are you familiar enough with hardware to make a suggestion on what might cause the hardware to emit a static buzz at times? I'm more interested in finding a cause than a solution (solution being: as you suggest, returning a poorly designed device).

It's a long list of things from a driver issue to power available on the USB port. I get those USB DAC things for 2 to 3 bucks to my mailbox to sub in for failed onboard audio. So when I get a bum one I give it to a buddy that seems to want to try to fix everything.
Bob

Now you know why some devices cost more than others for the same function. Audio bounds, but solutions are sometimes build-in to better handle them. Seeing some DAC devices handling low voltages, etc. and then the make-up of the components, you wonder if it can handle as they are easily over-whelmed it seems to me at times. Just the plain fact, you get a pop is not unheard of as being-ON just got an unwanted audio response. Just cranking up the audio may cause a "hum" from speakers in just about any audio system. So, you get what you pay for, IMHO.

tada -----Willy

Thank you Willy and Bob. You both make great points. I did buy an entry level audiophile DAC and I do sense that the produce is being "overwhelmed" by electrical signals as Willy comments.

I couldn't figure out how to close the thread after Bob's last response which I found satisfactory.