Thanks for responding. Yes, I switched the outputs to my amp and the problem followed so I know it is the processor. I was wondering if there are relay contacts in the output path and the noise is due to dirty contacts. It doesn't happen all of the time. The surround wasn't used for 2 years.
Intermittent crackling noise on surround speakers
My 5 channel system (4 years old) consists of a Rotel 1068 processor, Rotel 1075 amplifier, and Nautilus speakers. For the last 2 years I had only my 803 towers hooked up and everything worked fine. I reconnected all 5 speakers and now there is very loud crackling noise from both 805 surround speakers. The front and center speakers are fine only the surround speakers are affected. The noise is not there all of the time, sometimes it is much worse than others. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.