Please help! Stuttering sound!

[j98]

Hi,This problem has only arisen in the last few weeks. Until now I've never had any issues with sound playback.

It's most apparent when a file is playing in iTunes/Winamp and I'm browsing files on a separate physical hard drive, although it can happen any time, to a lesser degree. The problem seems to increase in severity as cpu activity increases, particularly when loading image thumbnails. .tif previews make it go crazy. Also if I try to play an .avi file directly from the second drive, it stutters big time, video and sound. This has never previously been an issue.

I running XP Home SP2 with a Core 2 Duo 6400 (2.13Ghz) with 2GB RAM. Primary HDD is a Raptor 36GB, second drive is a WD 80GB. The second drive has Vista Home installed but I've been using this setup for months with no problems. Could this be a problem?

Sound card is M-Audio Audiophile 2496 with the latest drivers (12/17/2007). The problem started before I updated the drivers (last week) so I don't think that's the issue.

The only other hardware changes I've made lately were to disconnect a faulty DVDR drive and install a Wacom Bamboo tablet.

I've tried removing/reinstalling iTunes and Winamp, with no effect.

I suspect the problem isn't specifically related to sound, but that this is the most noticable side effect.

So, thanks for reading any ideas?

J

 

[MattyT]

I ditched my 2496 a few years back due to a similar problem - mine was more network related tho. If I accessed a busy website (as in complicated layout inc. Flash etc.) or sent messages thru MSN the audio popped. This happened on both RJ45 and Wireless connections.

If memory serves me correctly I ditched the 2496 and my D-Link wireless card and got a MOTU 828 and a Belkin Wireless USB jobby and not had a problem since.

Have you been playing around your network settings recently?

Cheers,

Matt

 

[Hamster]

Have you tried a system restore back to when it was working fine?

 

[j98]

I haven't changed any network settings at all and the 2496 has been working perfectly for over a year.

Tried system restore - no luck.

 

[Hamster]

If it was me, and system restore didn't help, i would first try uninstalling the 2496 drivers and go back to an older version. No luck, then try to move it to another pci slot, reinstall all the latest drivers for motherboard and vga card. Failing all that, a fresh format and windows install.