MacBook Pro 16" M5 sound cuts off from right Thunderbolt port with USB DAC

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MacBook Pro 16" M5 sound cuts off from right Thunderbolt port with USB DAC

I recently upgraded from a 2019 Intel MBP to a brand new MacBook Pro 16" M5. I'm using a Moondrop Dawn Pro USB DAC/AMP for my headphones. The sound keeps cutting off every now and then when using the Thunderbolt port but only on the right hand side of the computer. The sound is perfectly fine and have no issue when using the 2 Thunderbolt ports on the left. I could use any of them on my previous MBP.

Could it be a defective port or is there a hardware limitation/bug with the M series laptops that I'm not aware of? There's no other issues when using external SDD/HDD or any other accessories on that said right port.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 26.6

Posted on Aug 11, 2026 10:13 AM

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Answer 1

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TheMainEvent Author

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29 points

Aug 11, 2026 11:48 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

I should've specified that my headphones are wired. I'm using Sennheiser HD6XX connected into the headphone jack of Moondrop Dawn Pro DAC then into one of the USB-C ports on my MacBook Pro M5. Out of the 3 Thunderbolt ports, on the right one keeps stuttering/cutting off.

That being said, while typing this I decided to switch to a longer USB-C cable from the port to the dongle and it fixed my issues! Had no idea an external DAC could cause interference even when wired. Thanks.

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Answer 2

Aug 11, 2026 12:46 PM in response to TheMainEvent

<< Had no idea an external DAC could cause interference even when wired. Thanks. >.

It could be that moving it farther away was the required magic.

That suggests the DAC device is not well shielded.

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Answer 3

Aug 11, 2026 11:02 AM in response to TheMainEvent

Why do I have difficulty with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices when USB 3 devices are attached to my computer?

Some USB 3 devices can generate radio frequency interference that can cause Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices operating in the 2.4GHz band to have issues communicating with your computer. Here are some tips to avoid this issue:

• If your USB device has a cable long enough that you can move the device, place it away from your Mac—and make sure not to place it behind your Mac, or near the hinge of its display. The antennas for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are located there, and USB 3 devices placed there might interfere with your wireless connections.

• If you're using adapters or dongles on a Mac computer with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, plug them into the front port on the left side of your Mac, or into the ports on the right side (if your computer has them). These ports are the farthest away from the antennas, making interference less likely.

• To avoid interference on the 2.4GHz band using Wi-Fi, try using the 5GHz band instead. You can change this on your wireless base station. Bluetooth always uses 2.4GHz, so this alternative isn't available for Bluetooth.

from:

About USB on Mac computers - Apple Support

Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference

Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support

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