I wonder if there is anything new on this problem.
I just picked-up an LS-3a. It's a very nice sounding preamp, but I'm suffering from the same "Popping" issues that y'all identify." If the mute is off, then all the other two toggles POP when activated. Once mute is on (with a loud pop), then the other two switches are quiet. To me, that is an indication that the issue is likely inherent in the LS-3 and not a matching problem with the amp(s). Moreover, I read an ARC post somewhere that advised using Mute to avoid other popping. As stated, the pops are loud and disconcerting. I have a tape recorder and switching between monitor and source is really not feasible. (I can put the deck output straight to an unused source and avoid the noise, but give up up the recording option.)
I emailed ARC who said "send it in for repair". I contacted an authorized repair facility, they said they had experienced the issue with other ARC stuff, but not the LS-3: so "send it in for repair."
Repair is not really an option. I'm facing a likely $500 service charge for a preamp that has a market value of $700-$800; and, I think nobody is going to fix this issue.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I just picked-up an LS-3a. It's a very nice sounding preamp, but I'm suffering from the same "Popping" issues that y'all identify." If the mute is off, then all the other two toggles POP when activated. Once mute is on (with a loud pop), then the other two switches are quiet. To me, that is an indication that the issue is likely inherent in the LS-3 and not a matching problem with the amp(s). Moreover, I read an ARC post somewhere that advised using Mute to avoid other popping. As stated, the pops are loud and disconcerting. I have a tape recorder and switching between monitor and source is really not feasible. (I can put the deck output straight to an unused source and avoid the noise, but give up up the recording option.)
I emailed ARC who said "send it in for repair". I contacted an authorized repair facility, they said they had experienced the issue with other ARC stuff, but not the LS-3: so "send it in for repair."
Repair is not really an option. I'm facing a likely $500 service charge for a preamp that has a market value of $700-$800; and, I think nobody is going to fix this issue.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.