[SOLVED] Crackling/Static Noise with Speakers + Headphones (Tried Both Motherboard + Sound Card)

[fcp4life]

I have tried just about everything, the static/crackling noise can be heard when on speakers and on headphones. It isn't loud... however, it is annoying and this hasn't happened before. This is happening now on the new sound card as well as the onboard audio. I have tried resetting drivers, messing with the settings, disabling the enhancements, different frequencies etc. I have tried connecting the headphones directly to the rear audio ports, different plugs and the end result is still the same. If the audio is at 48khz the static is way too loud and I have to use a higher frequency.

Could this be related to any of the ssds or hdds I have inside my computer case? or the RGB fans? Also the power supply connection feels slightly more loose than usually. Or can it be an issue with the surge protector i'm using?

• Motherboard - ASUS Z170-A
• SOUNDCARD - Creative Sound Blaster AE-5 Plus
• Speakers - Cyber Acoustics CA-3908
• Headphones - Philips Fidelio X2HR

Some Photos of my setup....
https://ibb.co/KDD8D2N

IMG-1030 hosted at ImgBB

Image IMG-1030 in André Costa's images album

ibb.co

https://ibb.co/5BKpJTg

IMG-1032 hosted at ImgBB

Image IMG-1032 in André Costa's images album

ibb.co

https://ibb.co/1qgP4NN

IMG-1034 hosted at ImgBB

Image IMG-1034 in André Costa's images album

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https://ibb.co/KsxFTH8

IMG-1036 hosted at ImgBB

Image IMG-1036 in André Costa's images album

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https://ibb.co/PhRbKC8

IMG-1038 hosted at ImgBB

Image IMG-1038 in André Costa's images album

ibb.co

 

[popatim]

In img 1036 you have a cord (speaker cable?) going right in between a transformer and an electrical outlet. - Don't do this. Route speaker wire far from sources of electricity. 3ft is typical.

In Img 1038. Does the sound clean up some in you remove the fan? Fans are typically a big source of electrical interference,