I hear a POP thru my left speaker once in a while. Also when I flip up the mute switch I hear static thru the left speaker .... Can anyone tell me if it is the amp or the preamp causing the problem.
Interchange the channels at the preamp output or power amp input, and see if the problem moves to the right side or not. That will tell you which component is at fault. Have the power off while you are changing connections, of course.
Regards,
-- Al