2. amps-preamps
  3. 123990-78104

Help with system/ARC noise

Hi there!
Im new to this hobby and started to build my sytem. Currently i have an audio research ref5se preamp/ARC DS450 amp/B&W804D.  I hooked my oppo 105 to play CD and audio streaming using pandora. The problem is I'm getting noise and sometimes a loud pop of noise. I'm using audioquest yukon entry level xlr interconnects. All units are connected in individual wall ac. I called ARC and they said ARC ref5se and DS450 amp are compatible and should have no impedance issue and they already paired it before. I already isolated signal cables from power cables. My next step is to get a power distribution/conditioner and see if this will solve the problem. To old timers in this hobby:
1. Did you encounter similar problems and how did you guys solve it?
2. Any experience/suggestion on power conditioner to match with ARC with good result?
3. When hooking digital players like oppo or any cd player do you need to have a DAC unit even if the player has a built in DAC?

Any input is highly appreciated.



biggiglypanda

Showing 10 responses by biggiglypanda

biggiglypanda OP
19 posts
 
Yakbob-thank you for the heads up. Now i'm seeing hope lol! I will try to get a dedicated cd player and see if it will make a difference
biggiglypanda OP
19 posts
 
Tomcy6-i will do everything possible based on your input. Thanks

jafreeman-a power source would be similar to a PS audio PS10 powerplant? My listenning environment is just a typical living room but nothing is running except for the system when i experienced the problem
biggiglypanda OP
19 posts
 
By the way, i was running the oppo with my yamaha AV receiver to ARC DS450 before to play 2 channel stereo with no problem. The problem i'm having is after incorporating the ARC ref5se. I already tried 2 ARC ref 5se with same problem. Im already having sleepless nights trying to solve the problem so guys please help.
biggiglypanda OP
19 posts
 

Update:

I reset my oppo to factory settings and download/update the firmware. So far I played CD playback for about 3 hours now and no loud popping noise. I hope it won't comeback.

When the oppo is on standby I can hear low hum on the speakers but only if I put my ears directly to the speaker.

With this development I plan to leave alone my oppo with my home theater set up and just invest in a separate CD player/DAC or a music steamer/DAC for my digital music.

Second: Invest in a power isolation/purification equipment to further reduce noise.

Third: work extra to support this addiction and the never ending list of equipment to complete my system lol!

Thank you so much for all your suggestions. It was a lesson for me and a lot more to learn.

 

biggiglypanda OP
19 posts
 

jond: you difinitely add something by making me smile and easing my anxiety with your awesome comment.

biggiglypanda OP
19 posts
 
Tomcy6:
 Point well taken. At this point I am running out of wall socket to plug all my equipment so i'm planning of getting a power distribution box that will also serve as conditioner. 
The oppo seems working well now so your right- i'll enjoy it first. I read in some forums about using their oppo as DAC and hooking a mini mac as media server.

Any suggestions?
biggiglypanda OP
19 posts
 

jafreeman: can you please educate me more on how to improve my power supply to further reduce noise. I check the Richard Gray products and I'm not sure which one to get. There's a power isolation/purification equipment and a Parallel power delivery equipment. Do you need  to combine both to enjoy the benefit?

There are so many products out there and i got dizzy already reading reviews which are all very promising. (not sure if its painted or real results).

I want a unit that is truly functional but not utlra expensive.


biggiglypanda OP
19 posts
 
Update: I added a richard gray substation and 600s conditioner so i have enough outlets for the entire dystem. After updating oppo's firmware the noise was gone for a while then came back. I was really having sleepless night thinking how yo solve the problem. My last resort was to change the tubes on my preamp. After inspection i noticed some white powder residue on the biggest tube of my arc pre amp though the tube looks new. After changing the tune ghe noise was gone- yay!



biggiglypanda OP
19 posts
 
Tomcy, after resolving the issue i decided to separate my 2 channel system from my hometheater in which im running it with my oppo 105D. I recently added an EAT C Sharp turntable so i'm only using my 2 channel system purely for vinyl and when i want to listen to digital i go back to my oppo/HT and switch it to 2 channel. I am so happy with the sound of my system now. Its my first time to vinyl and all i can say is wow! The clarity and separation of vocals, instruments and transition of drums is so transparent and way way far than when i'm listinning to cd's or losless audio streaming using my oppo. I dont know if the power conditioner help or its because of the equipment but all i can say is i am enjoying my music. The only downside is i have to flip records every 20 min. 

biggiglypanda OP
19 posts
 
Adiolover718,
Being new in this hobby, at first,  i thought everything is just plug and play. It was a great learning process for me and i'm glad i reached out to our friends here in a'gon.

I agree with you on the DS450. The break-in process is so long and at first I thought my speakers is really a bad match for the amp or either speaker/amp is garbage until i accumulated 600+hours. I'm still using the stock power cords and mid entry level audioquest interconnects and speaker cables. I also would like to upgrade my wires in the future but for now i would like to familiarize myself with what i have. Tomcy6 is right - i guess im too much in a hurry to make my system sound great.

i'm happy to hear about your good experience with the DS450 (yehey...i made a good choice lol!).


More to discover