[Software] ALSA - Performance issues

[olaqetal]

Hi, I have a problem with ALSA-playback (fresh install - Debian 12).

I used two usb-dacs for testing (Hiby R5 ii + Ifi Hip-Dac) and am able to get bit-perfect playback with strawberry. The audio is skipping/has artefacts when playing local files though. It is less noticeable with lower bitrates and extremely noticeable with higher bitrates.

When playing a 96khz file I can hear the playback skipping/stuttering but even with lower bitrates I get random stutters and artefacts/distortion. It just doesen`t sound right.

Its been a while since I last used Linux and I am a bit lost following the guides to fix performance. Can anyone with a similar experience point me in the right direction?

I just want bit-perfect playback without glitching/skipping playback. Thanks

CPU: I5 12600KF
Mobo: MSI Pro Z690 DDR4

[kent_dorfman766]

USB is not a guaranteed bandwith topology. It is shared access, so other devices on the same USB host can/will rob bandwidth.

[olaqetal]

USB is not a guaranteed bandwith topology. It is shared access, so other devices on the same USB host can/will rob bandwidth.

Thanks for the fast response! I connected the dac straight to the fastest (USB 3.2 Gen2) port on my MoBo and don`t have the same issues in Win11 (although I have other audio-problems there, that`s why I want to make it work with Debian).

So you are saying I should disconnect every other sound related usb-device? Sorry for not having a clue here but I thought with my processor and direct connection (no hub) there should be more than enough bandwidth available?

Thanks!