macOS 15.3.2 issue or USB DAC issue?

[ProQuiz]

I don't know if it is because of macOS Sequoia 15.3.2 that I updated to a few days ago on my MacBook Pro 14" or because of my Bifrost 2/64.

I run 2 x JBL LSR305 + 1 x JBL LSR310S + Bifrost 2/64 + Saga 2.

Basically, the right speaker has started making crackling sounds when something is playing. When the speakers are idling, there is no crackling (even with the whole system powered on). Just to see if it was the Saga 2 or the Bifrost 2/64, I removed the Saga 2 from the chain and connected the speakers directly to the Bifrost. Same thing happened. Then to see if it was my powered speakers or the Bifrost, I switched the left/right RCA cables on the Bifrost and the crackling now started happening on my left speaker.

So, it seems the issue is with the Bifrost 2/64 or the macOS 15.3.2 update I did few days ago.

Any thoughts/feedback on this?

 

[buggz]

My ol' USB RME UFX is still working, no problems, after macOS Sequoia 15.3.2 update.

 

[Fishrrman]

Try a different cable.

 

[ProQuiz]

Thanks for the replies.

I usually have my Bifrost 2/64 + Saga 2 stack powered on 24/7. Just to see what would happen, I turned off my stack for 2-3 hours and then powered it back on. Everything started working perfectly fine and as it should. Could the stack or Bifrost 2/64 be overheating as when I leave it on 24/7, the stack stays very hot?

 

[ProQuiz]

Try a different cable.

The issue is back and I did try another USB cable. Made no difference. I am also on macOS 15.4 now. I am going to try the DAC on a Windows PC to see if the issue also happens there.

But researching the issue, there are reports of crackling audio from USB DACs on macOS Sequoia (and other versions of macOS).

 

[Miles Fu]

My DAC works fine on 15.3.2 too, connected via USBC