2. amps-preamps
  3. 1135869688

Crackling Noise ...driving me nuts

I get a crackling noise from my right speaker and it's really harsh also I can hear a slight crackling noise when turning up the volume from both the Front L + R speaker. Finally if all components are on and I turn off the DVD player or my Pre/pro the speakers make a loud buzz noise .

The change I made to my system which resulted in this issue was addition of a McIntosh MSD4 processor. If I remove the processor from the equation and use a HT receiver with my other components the issue goes away.

Has anyone had a similar issue ? Is there something wrong with the pre/pro or is this a ground loop .or interconnect issue. My system details are listed below

McIntosh Pre/Pro MSD4
McIntosh MC 7200 (L + R / Kef XQ5)
B&K ST 140 (L + R Surround / Monitor Audio)
B&K ST 125 Powering the Center Channel (Kef XQ 2C)
britrover

Showing 1 response by sarmi

sarmi
7 posts
 
Sounds to me like you have 2 issues...

The hum could be ground loop. Check your power cables and interconnects. Try to isolate as much as possible, and if they have to cross, do so at right angles. I have an API Power Wedge and Synergistic/Harmonic power cords, but even then I occasionally have had hum issues. Simply moving them around reduced the audible hum.

If you started hearing the cracklies upon adding the MSD4, I'd say it probably has an issue of some sort that needs fixing inside.
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