X-Fi Elite Pro Noise issues

Question

Greetings,
I've had this x-Fi Elite Pro for 3 years now, and since about 6 months ago it started missbehaving like I'll describe. If the computer has been on for a long time the speaker output of the card starts making a crackling noise. Here's a phone recording of what this noise sounds like:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/002586/200227%2032502.m4a
If I change the audio mode with the creative console or change the master sampling rate there's a chance that the noise will go away, but it's a really temporary solution as it will be back within minutes. The only prolonged solution is restarting the computer and start the cycle anew.
I would like to know if anyone has heard about this issue and if there's any known solution such as changing the capacitors, if so, which ones.
To be honest, I'm quite disappointed with the experience I had with creative's soundcards lifespans. I went through two Audigy 2 cards that developed popping noises after two years of use (fortunately got those replaced with Dell's extended warranty). My replacement, if there's no fix to it, will certainly not be a creative card. It's a shame, really, as the Elite Pro is a really good card, while it works right; I'm just not willing to spend that much money on a sound card that's likely to fail within 3 years.

Answer 1

DSM wrote:
I am having issues with the balance of the input signal from my turntable to my Elite Pro. The turntable in connected to Aux 2 with the switch on the console in the phono position. The signal from my turntable (B&O RX2) is slightly off balance with the left channel signal slightly higher than the right channel. I have attempted to use the Master Auxiliary Balance control in audio creation mode to balance the signal during recording. Unfortunatly I have not been able to make it work as adjusting the balance control has no impact on the recorded signal. I have worked with Creative and to date they have not provided a working solution. I have moved my card from one slot to another, uninstalled and reinstalled the software on numerous occasions and taken every step suggested by Creative. I have an ASUS A8N SLI Premium motherborad. Creative thinks the board may be the issue. Does anyone have any suggestions?
- old cardridge/stylus being worned out,
- weak connectors/connections,
- too light stylus pressure (try 2-3 grams),
- dirty/dusty stylus,
- mispositioned stylus (not straight, wrong 'arm'length (if adjustable),
- wrong connection imbedance,
You can also try if connecting turntable through amplifier (w/ RIAA) to X-Fi Line-In makes any difference --> shows out, if the RIAA pre in X-Fi is not working properly.
jutapaMessage Edited by jutapa on 09-05-2006 0:30 AM