Apple, great job fixing the 4850 problems, now fix the speaker popping!

[jmpage2]

Both owners of new Minis and iMac owners have reported speaker popping coming from their Macs when connected to external speakers via the headphone jack on the Mac.

Personally I have had both an '09 Mac Mini as well as an early '09 iMac and both have the speaker popping. It is pretty easy to reproduce too. When waking up from sleep, opening iTunes, etc, there is a loud distinct 'pop' from the speakers.

I now know that it's not the speakers either, as I just replaced my five year old Logitech 5.1 setup with a new pair of AudioEngine A2 speakers, widely regarded as among the very best computer speakers currently on the market. Both speaker systems exhibit the same popping noise intermittently from the Mac.

Apple, you have a reputation for high end products, I would say that loud popping noises coming from your Macs, which could potentially hurt someones ears or damage their expensive speakers or headphone is simply unacceptable.

Please fix this!

[Theraker007]

i have a new imac and bose speakers but ive never had this problem

[jmpage2]

i have a new imac and bose speakers but ive never had this problem

Are you connected via optical or analog input to your system? As I said, I've had two Macs and two sets of speakers and every combination have exhibited this problem.

I would recommend you do this;

1. Turn the speakers up to a moderate volume.

2. Put the Mac to sleep.

3. Wake the Mac up and open iTunes.

You will more than likely hear a pop come from your speakers.

[itommyboy]

Are you connected via optical or analog input to your system? As I said, I've had two Macs and two sets of speakers and every combination have exhibited this problem.

I would recommend you do this;

1. Turn the speakers up to a moderate volume. DID

2. Put the Mac to sleep. DID

3. Wake the Mac up and open iTunes. DID

You will more than likely hear a pop come from your speakers. NOPE

I used to have this very issue with some Audio Engine speakers as well. Then I stepped up to the Companion 5 Series which imho gets a bad wrap because they are more "Bose = mainstream" than some fanboys like. But golly they sound amazing. Anyway I'm not 100% this was the "fix" because once it was gone I didn't try to reproduce or analyze it any longer, but I think the USB connection from the Comp 5 Series speakers may have had something to with the pops going away. That all being said it does not seem this is a widespread issue. I have another iMac (4850) on it's way and will report if I have any sound problems/popping when I get that.

[jmpage2]

Yes, it must be the Audio Engine speakers, seeing as I've had the problem with Logitech speakers and a set of headphones as well. :rolleyes:

I know that others have this issue too seeing as there have been several threads about it.

[itommyboy]

Yes, it must be the Audio Engine speakers, seeing as I've had the problem with Logitech speakers and a set of headphones as well. :rolleyes:

I know that others have this issue too seeing as there have been several threads about it.

JM I'm not saying it's your A2's simply letting you know my experience with them was exactly as you are describing. I sure don't see to many threads about the latest iMacs having this popping sound but I do know it's an issue for some. I also know that "antipop" helped some people back in 2007/2008 when "speakers popping upon shut down/ turn on / sleep" was more widespread. Check out: http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/29024 if you try it and it works please let us know.

[jmpage2]

I don't want to load 3rd party software onto my box to fix a problem that Apple should be fixing.

I'm hoping at least a few other owners with this issue will chime in.

[WizardHunt]

Are you connected via optical or analog input to your system? As I said, I've had two Macs and two sets of speakers and every combination have exhibited this problem.

I would recommend you do this;

1. Turn the speakers up to a moderate volume. Did

2. Put the Mac to sleep. Did

3. Wake the Mac up and open iTunes. Did

You will more than likely hear a pop come from your speakers. Yes

Yes, I heard a Pop when I woke up my iMac from sleep, but not when i opened iTunes. I also heard this same Pop with my Mac Mini and I live in a old house and it may be the circuitry in the house. I never really gave it much thought. To add to this, I do use a 5.1 Stereo Speaker System with this. And it is plugged in the back of the iMac.

[PurrBall]

Yes, using speakers over USB seems to fix the problem. What's odd is that there's absolutely no point to powering down the sound on a desktop system, it's always plugged in.

[WizardHunt]

Ok, Here's the deal. I got on with Support at Apple and he walked me thru sleep then wake up, and yes it popped with med volume. He then had me remove my external speakers and use the internal speakers and re-do the test. No pop.

Then we hooked up a head set (I use Bose) and there is a slight pop when it wakes up from sleep. Not near as loud as my external speakers. However I have a wired remote to my Creative Labs 5.1 Speaker System and it is hooked on a hook on my desk. Their recommendation is if it bothers me that I should just turn off the speakers when I put it to sleep and that way when I turn it on from sleep it will not sound.

I usually do turn off the sound to save electricity anyway and that is why it has not been a big deal to me or for me to notice it. Once I turn on the iMac from sleep then i turn on the sound and there is no pop after that. Maybe that is your solution as well.

I also told him about that 3rd party software that does not allow the sound hardware to shut down when you put the iMac to sleep but then you are leaving the sound on all the time and that to me does not make good sense to do. So I will just turn off the sound and turn on the iMac then turn the sound on and everything will be hunky-dory.... as they say :D

[24usedtorock]

I now know that it's not the speakers either, as I just replaced my five year old Logitech 5.1 setup with a new pair of AudioEngine A2 speakers, widely regarded as among the very best computer speakers currently on the market. Both speaker systems exhibit the same popping noise intermittently from the Mac.

jmpage2,

Please don't take this the wrong way but I just lost all respect I had for you. AudioEngine A2 speakers are most certainly not among the very best computer speakers on the market, did you read that on Cnet or something? :confused:

From someone who is well versed in audio engineering, your statement was grossly inaccurate.

[jmpage2]

jmpage2,

Please don't take this the wrong way but I just lost all respect I had for you. AudioEngine A2 speakers are most certainly not among the very best computer speakers on the market, did you read that on Cnet or something? :confused:

From someone who is well versed in audio engineering, your statement was grossly inaccurate.

I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you over these reviews that all contradict what you are saying. Maybe instead of being a wise arse you could indicate what computer speakers are vastly superior.

So you're "well versed" in audio engineering? What do you do for a living? I'm an "actual" engineer.

As you can see, I didn't have to go to "CNET" for my reviews;

http://stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/1207ae/
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/18/the-little-engine-that-can-audioengine-a2-speaker-review/
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article838-page1.html
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2007/10/18/audioengine_a2_desktop_speakers/
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1007/audioengine_a2.htm
http://www.thetechlounge.com/article/512/Audioengine+A2+Computer+Speakers/
http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review/4744/audioengine-a2
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/audioengine_a2_speakers
http://www.connectreviews.com/2008/01/24/packed-with-power-audioengine-a2-desktop-speakers/
http://www.geardiary.com/2009/02/21/review-audioengine-2-a2-premium-powered-desktop-speakers/
http://www.i4u.com/article11399.html
http://www.themaccore.com/files/A2Review.html
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2252545,00.asp
http://stuff.tv/Review/Audioengine-A2/
http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/audioengine_a2.htm
http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&number=6&artpage=3435&articID=654
http://www.audio-ideas.com/reviews/loudspeakers/audioengine-a2.html

You'll notice a common trend in these reviews. They typically have things to say like;

I have never been more impressed with or more stunned by a component I've reviewed for Stereophile than I was with the Audioengine 2. The level of sound quality produced by this uncolored, detailed, articulate, and dynamic speaker, in all situations, was beyond reproach, and its ratio of value to cost borders on the criminal. It extended my enjoyment of music into a new realm of portability that I hadn't before thought possible. I can't think of a single reason why every reader of this magazine should not go out right now and buy a pair of Audioengine 2s

Or;

the Audio Engine AE2 Desktop Speakers are a true piece of Audiophile engineering in the smallest physical enclosure I've ever seen or heard. Designed and constructed as if they should cost more or would be a larger speaker in another life, they are quite natural sounding

But I'm sure you know a lot more about audio than the editors of magazines like Stereophile, and I'm sure you know oodles more about what makes a good pair of computer speakers than the guys at Maximum PC who have literally reviewed thousands of them.

Here's a thought, you really don't know what the hell you're talking about, we'll just leave it there, all right? ;)

[24usedtorock]

One word for you - - - Bose.

I've tested thousands of speakers, and the line you're referring to are nothing more than mediocre and gaudy gadgets that are nowhere close to their price tag.

Now, if you want to assign value to what the editors of some magazines have to say and some shills pumping up the product- - that's fine, but don't do so and expect anyone here to take you seriously.





But I'm sure you know a lot more about audio than the editors of magazines like Stereophile, and I'm sure you know oodles more about what makes a good pair of computer speakers than the guys at Maximum PC who have literally reviewed thousands of them.

Here's a thought, you really don't know what the hell you're talking about, we'll just leave it there, all right? ;)

[jmpage2]

One word for you - - - Bose.

I've tested thousands of speakers, and the line you're referring to are nothing more than mediocre and gaudy gadgets that are nowhere close to their price tag.

Now, if you want to assign value to what the editors of some magazines have to say and some shills pumping up the product- - that's fine, but don't do so and expect anyone here to take you seriously.

Bose? Really? Serious? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAH!!!! Bose have one thing going for them, superior marketing that convinces millions of people that their sub par performance is worth the inflated price tag.

I auditioned both the Blose Companion 3 and Blose Companion 5, and the Audio Engine speakers eat them for lunch. You've probably never even heard the Audio Engine speakers but you just had to pop into this thread to bash on them. Bravo.

Now get out of here unless you actually have something to contribute to the thread topic.

[Dry Rot]

I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you over these reviews that all contradict what you are saying. Maybe instead of being a wise arse you could indicate what computer speakers are vastly superior.

So you're "well versed" in audio engineering? What do you do for a living? I'm an "actual" engineer.

As you can see, I didn't have to go to "CNET" for my reviews;

http://stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/1207ae/
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/18/the-little-engine-that-can-audioengine-a2-speaker-review/
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article838-page1.html
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2007/10/18/audioengine_a2_desktop_speakers/
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1007/audioengine_a2.htm
http://www.thetechlounge.com/article/512/Audioengine+A2+Computer+Speakers/
http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review/4744/audioengine-a2
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/audioengine_a2_speakers
http://www.connectreviews.com/2008/01/24/packed-with-power-audioengine-a2-desktop-speakers/
http://www.geardiary.com/2009/02/21/review-audioengine-2-a2-premium-powered-desktop-speakers/
http://www.i4u.com/article11399.html
http://www.themaccore.com/files/A2Review.html
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2252545,00.asp
http://stuff.tv/Review/Audioengine-A2/
http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/audioengine_a2.htm
http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&number=6&artpage=3435&articID=654
http://www.audio-ideas.com/reviews/loudspeakers/audioengine-a2.html

You'll notice a common trend in these reviews. They typically have things to say like;



Or;



But I'm sure you know a lot more about audio than the editors of magazines like Stereophile, and I'm sure you know oodles more about what makes a good pair of computer speakers than the guys at Maximum PC who have literally reviewed thousands of them.

Here's a thought, you really don't know what the hell you're talking about, we'll just leave it there, all right? ;)

How do they compare with M-AUDIO - Studiophile AV 40 Speakers?

[jmpage2]

How do they compare with M-AUDIO - Studiophile AV 40 Speakers?

I've heard good things about M-Audio speakers, however the ones that I auditioned at the local upscale retailer were far too large for a computer desk top, or at least mine anyway. The Audio Engine A2 was 1/2 the size and sounded better in the mid and high frequencies, only succumbing in the lows.

[Dry Rot]

I've heard good things about M-Audio speakers, however the ones that I auditioned at the local upscale retailer were far too large for a computer desk top, or at least mine anyway. The Audio Engine A2 was 1/2 the size and sounded better in the mid and high frequencies, only succumbing in the lows.

OK, Thanks.

I'll be getting a new iMac soon, and some good speakers are on my wish list.

[azdunerat]

One word for you - - - Bose.

I've tested thousands of speakers, and the line you're referring to are nothing more than mediocre and gaudy gadgets that are nowhere close to their price tag.

Now, if you want to assign value to what the editors of some magazines have to say and some shills pumping up the product- - that's fine, but don't do so and expect anyone here to take you seriously.

Holy Chit I just spit my water all over my screen I laughed so hard. Wow this place really does offer some great evening entertainment. Im no audiophile but I do know that bose systems are for the most part a joke. The old saying still holds true with bose. No highs no lows, must be bose!

[iLog.Genius]

Holy Chit I just spit my water all over my screen I laughed so hard. Wow this place really does offer some great evening entertainment. Im no audiophile but I do know that bose systems are for the most part a joke. The old saying still holds true with bose. No highs no lows, must be bose!

I don't think you can call them a joke. Overpriced? sure. Sure you can get something equivalent or better for less but I don't think you can say they suck. Still produces good sound.

[itommyboy]

Holy Chit I just spit my water all over my screen I laughed so hard. Wow this place really does offer some great evening entertainment. Im no audiophile but I do know that bose systems are for the most part a joke. The old saying still holds true with bose. No highs no lows, must be bose!


You know this to be fact? Or is it what you read? Can you even afford a set of higher end Bose speakers? I don't think you can because as the real old saying goes - once you go Bose you finally hear highs and lows. :D

[thejadedmonkey]

I think I'll stick with my Logitech z640. They come out to just over $12 a speaker :p

[itommyboy]

I think I'll stick with my Logitech z640. They come out to just over $12 a speaker :p

No way duuuude I use them at my office - love them!

[mstam]

I used to design and build high fidelity and PA speakers in the past and I can tell you Bose is a hoax. There's no replacement for displacement.

[jmpage2]

Let's get back on topic.

Anyone else report anything about the popping noise? I will probably make a Youtube vid of this tomorrow so people who say it doesn't happen to them can see what I'm talking about.

[azdunerat]

My mini pops as well. Glad to know its not just my mini.

And to the little boy who posted. I have a lifestyle 5 in my living room, it makes sound. When I got married I had to sell my Adcom/Logan two channel system. One of the many sacrifices going from a bachelor to the grown up world. I swear I will own logans again sooner or later

[hh83917]

Yes, I agree with who that the A2s is not the best computer speakers. Since the term "best speakers" is almost a "black hole" topic, let me rephrase it for jmpage2. A2 is the best cost effective speaker for its price. :)

However, please, please, do not talk about Bose in related to "best speakers" in audiophile category. You will get flamed very badly if this is one of those audiophile forums. ;)

I used to have a Bose Companion 3 speaker set and now I've gotten more into the audio, I've switched to listening to good headphones (currently Shure SE530, Senn HD650, and Grado SR80) and a set of Audio Engine A2s. Though I can't say they are the best, but since I listen to headphones more, they are good enough for near field listening. I'll also recommend it to anyone who need some nice computer speakers at a good deal, either the A2s or A5s (optional Subwoofer).

@jmpage2: I have my new iMac 3.06 + ATI hooked up to a set of A2s as well. But not directly, I use a optical DAC in the middle (Benchmark DAC1 HDR). And I have no pops what so ever. Maybe it is because when it wakes from sleep as it "powers up" some electricity flows into the speaker mini jack which creates the pop? I'm not a pro on this, but just a suggestion (don't even know if that suggestion is viable...lol) :rolleyes:

[24usedtorock]

Yes, I agree with who that the A2s is not the best computer speakers.

Agreed, not sure why he is gobbling these pedestrian reviews sites up, when guys here have actual hands-on engineering knowledge of the audio industry.

Also, if you can invest several thousands into equipment, Bose is similar to Alienware in that yes it will be very very overpriced, but the quality is much higher than brands with comparable prices. Not the absolute "BEST" solution because we are not talking that price range, but I'm sure you'd agree that Bose kicks the daylights out of A2s and leaves room to spare.

[jmpage2]

Agreed, not sure why he is gobbling these pedestrian reviews sites up, when guys here have actual hands-on engineering knowledge of the audio industry.

Also, if you can invest several thousands into equipment, Bose is similar to Alienware in that yes it will be very very overpriced, but the quality is much higher than brands with comparable prices. Not the absolute "BEST" solution because we are not talking that price range, but I'm sure you'd agree that Bose kicks the daylights out of A2s and leaves room to spare.

Will you please just get the heck out of the conversation? Did you even read the rest of what he said? He said that the A2s are hands down the best PC speakers for the money. The "pedestrian" reviews that you are referring to are from some of the top reviewers of this equipment. We should simply believe you that Bose sounds better because "you" say so. Maybe you should get over yourself.

The A2s were developed over the course of a year with custom built cabinetry, custom built drivers (not off the shelf), etc. I'm sure though that they are overpriced "trinkets" compared to the cheap plastic cabinet Bose systems you love with their cheesy "acoustimass" pseudo surround sound and other audio circuitry tricks designed to mask how weak they actually sound.

Go on believing what Bose is shoveling because they have put more $$ into marketing their product than into developing something that actually sounds good.

[Drag'nGT]

One word for you - - - Bose.


http://smiliesftw.com/x/smiley-rofl.gif
I just pissed myself.

[WorldTravel26]

I don't want to load 3rd party software onto my box to fix a problem that Apple should be fixing.

I'm hoping at least a few other owners with this issue will chime in.

Well, about the popping noise . . .

I have a Blackbook late 2007 (Santa Rosa) model and I was getting the popping noise too when I had external speakers plugged into my audio jack. Every time I would launch any audio program (iTunes, RealPlayer, etc.) or visit a webpage that had audio, I would get a loud popping sound both before the audio played and about 15 to 30 seconds after the audio stopped. It was REALLY annoying.

I wasn't sure what caused the popping noise at first though because A.) I have really cheap Edifier computer speakers (with 2 LR and 1 subwoofer) which cost like $20 or $25 bucks, B.) Almost every time my fridge compressor kicked on or I turned on my compact fluorescent light, I would get the loud popping noise, and C.) I've read numerous posts about the sound card on some of the MACs having this problem. I don't want to go out and buy expensive speakers and all my electrical sockets in my studio apartment are on the same circuit, so I can't really do anything about A or B.

So, I figured downloading that program you mentioned (Antipop 1.0.2) might solve problem C. So far, it seems to have worked. I visited a couple websites with audio, and no popping sound. I fired up iTunes and RealPlayer and then quit the programs after playing some music, no popping sound. Actually, my fridge compressor just came on a minute ago, and there was no popping sound either, which I kinda expected there would be.

Anyway, Antipop seems to have fixed the problem, so I'm happy for now.

[LagunaSol]

I'm getting the pop too on my brand new 24" iMac (2.93, 4850). I have a Logitech Z-5500 system connected via optical. I've downloaded and installed Antipop - we'll see if that solves the problem. If anything, I think Antipop should (based on its description) solve the problem I had with my old iMac and the Logitech system, that of the Logitech failing to recognize the incoming audio after a period of time. I'd have to cycle through the inputs to get it to recognize the optical audio coming from the Mac. Irritating.

Note: it's sad that you have to resort to 3rd party fixes for something this fundamental - Apple should have addressed this issue long ago as there seem to be plenty of people complaining about it.

[LagunaSol]

Go on believing what Bose is shoveling because they have put more $$ into marketing their product than into developing something that actually sounds good.

He probably connects his kickin' Bose system with some sweet Monster Cable. :D

[jmpage2]

Anti-Pop did not solve the problem for me. I suspect because the sound hardware might be different between the MB and MBP and the iMac. I also hear that Monster Cable is extremely popular with the big fans of Bose audio.

[jmpage2]

@jmpage2: I have my new iMac 3.06 + ATI hooked up to a set of A2s as well. But not directly, I use a optical DAC in the middle (Benchmark DAC1 HDR). And I have no pops what so ever. Maybe it is because when it wakes from sleep as it "powers up" some electricity flows into the speaker mini jack which creates the pop? I'm not a pro on this, but just a suggestion (don't even know if that suggestion is viable...lol) :rolleyes:

I suspect that with the optical connection this is less of an issue. If I understand correctly the issue happens because when the Mac goes to sleep it puts the hardware for audio into a low power state.

When the Mac wakes up, the next time the audio hardware is asked to do some work it will load up the level on the output resulting in the popping.

Interestingly enough this never happens when the same iMac sleeps under Windows 7, so I suspect that this is a driver/control issue that is completely fixable on the Mac, if only Apple gave 2 cents about it.

[itommyboy]

so I suspect that this is a driver/control issue that is completely fixable on the Mac, if only Apple gave 2 cents about it.

As many have posted already there is a fix for this. If the fact that Apple did not come up with the fix bothers you (jmpage2) so much that you still live with this issue that is your prerogative/problem. For others who are just picking up this thread the fix is out there and has been for some time now. Search and ye shall find.

[jmpage2]

As many have posted already there is a fix for this. If the fact that Apple did not come up with the fix bothers you (jmpage2) so much that you still live with this issue that is your prerogative/problem. For others who are just picking up this thread the fix is out there and has been for some time now. Search and ye shall find.

Maybe you missed the part of the thread where I commented that I loaded anti-pop and it did not resolve the issue.

[itommyboy]

Maybe you missed the part of the thread where I commented that I loaded anti-pop and it did not resolve the issue.

Oh I see - yes I did miss that. Then I revert back to my other argument - it's your speakersssssss! ;)

[jmpage2]

Oh I see - yes I did miss that. Then I revert back to my other argument - it's your speakersssssss! ;)

Ya, all three sets of speakers that I've tried, plus my headphones. That surely must be what's going on, especially when the above same speakers do not have the problem when the sound hardware is controlled under Windows. :rolleyes:

[telepati]

I dont have a external spekar but I can hear now internal speaker popping problem. I prepaired to dvd with iDvd and I used theme and push the play button first sound is great but when i choose video on theme and click starting popping...

[FoxHoundADAM]

I just plugged in my external speakers, they are a middle of the line Altec Lancing set with sub and they are having a poping sound whenever the computer wakes up from sleep and sounds is needed for the first time. Nothing aweful but there is a pop.

These are the same speakers I used for years with my old Dell and I never had this problem.

It seams pretty clear to me that it isn't the spakers but something with the computer.

[hh83917]

I suspect that with the optical connection this is less of an issue. If I understand correctly the issue happens because when the Mac goes to sleep it puts the hardware for audio into a low power state.

When the Mac wakes up, the next time the audio hardware is asked to do some work it will load up the level on the output resulting in the popping.

Interestingly enough this never happens when the same iMac sleeps under Windows 7, so I suspect that this is a driver/control issue that is completely fixable on the Mac, if only Apple gave 2 cents about it.

Since I have the same set of speakers as you do, I unplugged my external dac and did some testing myself and had the same issue. It seems so pop after you do not play any sound for a few minutes and press the volume increase/decrease to "wake" the internal dac.

I did some searching for you and found some old threads regarding to the old 10.4.0 Intel iMac speaking popping issues in the apple support forums.
Link: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1018120
Link: http://www.macfixit.com/article.php?story=20090105202150184

I've tried replacing AppleHDA.kext file with version 1.6.2 (from OS X 10.5.6) and still get the popping sound. Then I tried to reverse to version 1.5.7 (from maybe 10.5.5 or maybe earlier), but apparently that does not support the new 2009 iMac. So, I've concluded that there is no fix for the new iMac '09 now with the audio popping issue through software, unless Apple issues one.

The only solution is probably the external dac solution. Here's a list from head-fi.org of all the dacs, cheap to expensive: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/all-dacs-money-can-buy-pt-2-a-325941/

Hope this helps. :)

[jmpage2]

Thanks for the advice. If Apple has not fixed this in over 2 years it's unlikely that they have any plans to fix it unless customers really get vocal about it.

Does anyone know what kind of DAC is in the Mac? I wouldn't want to spend a lot of money on a DAC and degrade the sound quality, but I also don't want to spend a lot of money on something I shouldn't have to fix in the first place.

[avihappy]

Thanks for the advice. If Apple has not fixed this in over 2 years it's unlikely that they have any plans to fix it unless customers really get vocal about it.

Does anyone know what kind of DAC is in the Mac? I wouldn't want to spend a lot of money on a DAC and degrade the sound quality, but I also don't want to spend a lot of money on something I shouldn't have to fix in the first place.

I think it's agreed that the built in DACs in most computers (including our precious Macs) are not very good. Even the cheap ones will probably improve the sound quality on your Mac.

[Beanlok]

This constantly happens to me. My computer is hooked up to logitech x540 5.1 via 3.5 and every time they are about to make a sound its a LOUD pop. Its hella anoying! Say someone just logged into ichat....POP (so loud) and then I hear the notification subtle swoosh sound effect. I'll be trying the fix tomorrow.

[Dr.Pants]

Weird!

So, tried it twice on the G5, once where the sleep was initiated with iTunes playing music, and one where iTunes was closed (not even on the dock [I think it is called?]). At anyrate, on the wake where iTunes was playing there was a very faint pop, much like when you plug in speakers into a running computer. The one where iTunes was closed, there was no pop sound.

Does it affect me? Not particularly, but it was an interesting experiment.

[LagunaSol]

I haven't had a pop since installing Anti-Pop on my new 2.93 iMac. *knocks wood*

[hh83917]

I just tried the anti-pop software. I found it to work only when the iMac is on. For example, it prevents the audio from going to sleep when you don't play audio for a while. However, the software does not prevent the audio pop when waking from Sleep.

@jmpage2: The internal dac on the iMac wasn't very good. It's basically some intel built-in "high definition audio" chip like all the boards, laptops with built-in audio chip. I don't think there's anything special about the macs' built-in dac other than the convenience of the built-in optical in/out in the mini-jacks. You can probably just get any USB or optical dac and it will solve the popping problem. Just make sure it will work with Mac, because I think the Creative sound blaster dacs doesn't. There's a simple and fairly cheap one from Griffin Technology called iMic Link (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic). I think that will get the job done. It require no drivers to install on macs and a pretty good deal for the price. Just return it if you don't like it.

Or we can all just wait for Apple to issue a fix. But, I think they only issue the fix once to fix such problems on OS X 10.4.0. They didn't issue another after that for ie. 10.5.6. Or maybe they think snow leopard is coming out and they probably just don't bother to.