Thanks, pepanee. Switching to the Microsoft USB audio driver (the Microsoft HD driver neosmart recommended won't work with USB audio) is one of the first things I tried. Unfortunately, the same delay was present with it. This delay happens only with the digital output (S/PDIF), not the analog output.
Thanks, bro67. External DAC is Schiit Modi 3 (it works perfectly processing CD signals into a stereo system). Also, internal DAC in Denon AVR-S650H receiver and Sony STR-DH590 receiver. Results are exactly the same for all. And it was the same story with another motherboard (MSI) also with Realtek USB audio that I returned due problems not related to sound. A previous motherboard with non-USB Realtek HD audio had no S/PDIF delay problem with the same setup I'm using now.
You could try this program, it helps me with HDMI to soundbar delays, but it is also for S/PDIF.
Sound Keeper v1.3.3 [2023/08/19] — VEG.BY
The biggest problem is that your AVR and motherboard already have built in DAC's that are better than any third party piece of hardware.
Some realtek alc4080/4082 chipsets have firmware updates available from motherboard manufacturers.
I was just about to suggest that. It worked when I had the same problem with my Asus Xonar SE optical/digital output. It sucks they don't fix that delay in the drivers themselves, but...whatever works I guess. Apparently they put the delay in the driver on purpose because digital outputs "pop" each time they are initialized, and that is their workaround (just mute it for x seconds), but they don't bother doing anything to just keep the digital signal "alive" so you would get constant popping or the delay, cut-off audio.
Quote
This is exactly what I've been looking for and hadn't been able to find. Thanks so much, Cliff. And thanks to everybody who offered suggestions.
