Framework 16, Xubuntu 24.04.
There are a lot of symptoms, many of which do not make sense.
I have a Samsung 4K monitor which has audio output, which I have connected to external amplified speakers.
Connecting the monitor to the framework using an HDMI expansion card, there are pops, crackles and fade-outs in the audio. I have had this ever since I purchased the framework.
This setup works fine with a desktop computer and other laptops. I have tried both HDMI inputs on the monitor. I have purchased a new HDMI high speed cable, tried with two sets of speakers.
Running on a Live USB of Xubuntu and Ubuntu, audio is perfect.
Running on installed Ubuntu or Xubuntu, I get pops, crackles and fade-outs.
Using a third party USB-C HDMI dongle instead of the HDMI expansion card, audio is perfect. (Amazon.com: BENFEI USB C to HDMI Adapter (4K@60Hz), USB Type-C to HDMI Adapter [Thunderbolt 3/4 Compatible] with iPhone 15 Pro/Max, MacBook Pro/Air 2023, iPad Pro, iMac, S23, XPS 17, Surface Book 3 and More : Electronics)
I placed a support call, and after I had to carry out all kinds of tests on their request, they sent me a replacement HDMI expansion card. The problem is still the same with the replacement.
Using a third party USB-C audio adapter, if there is a HDMI monitor plugged in, either with the HDMI expansion card, or with the third party USB-C HDMI adapter, audio through the third party USB-C audio adapter has pops, crackles and fade-outs. Also, the USB-C audio adapter becomes very hot in a short time (1 minute). If I were to leave it running for a long time, it would likely cause a fire, melt, or cause other damage.
Using the third party USB-C audio adapter without an external monitor, audio is perfect, and there is no heating of the audio adapter.
I have tried two brands of Audio adapters, both with the same results. Amazon.com: USB Type C to 3.5mm Female Headphone Jack Adapter, (2-Pack) USB C to Aux Audio Dongle Cable Cord Compatible with iPhone 15/15 Plus/Pro/Pro Max, iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy S23/S23/S22/S21Ultra, MacBook : Electronics and Amazon.com: USB C to Aux Audio Dongle Cable Cord, Type C to 3.5mm Female Headphone Jack Adapter for iPhone 16 Pro Max/16 Pro, 15 Pro Max/15 Pro/15 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S23/S22/S21 Ultra, Pixel, iPad Pro, MacBook : Electronics
I have tried a USB-A audio adapter. Without an external monitor it works fine. With an external monitor plugged in, the USB-A adapter is no longer recognized by Linux. It disappears off the list of audio devices.
It appears that the framework must be supplying the wrong voltage to the audio adapters if there is an external HDMI monitor attached.
Does anybody have any idea what is going on here? If I stay way from audio adapters and use the third party HDMI dongle, am I OK or is the system likely to fry the next USB-A or USB-C device I purchase in the future for whatever purpose?
Peter Bennett