I would say that when you switch modes on the 16 always mute it or you will get a pop that is normal, I installed a new 16 in my dads system a couple weeks ago and it needs to be muted prior to mode switch and power off, I believe mute is auto on power on.
Tube pre-amp pop
Setting up my new system : AR pre SP16l, Bryston 4 BSST, Rotel RCD 1072, Paradigm 40.2. I am kind of happy with the temporary set up for now BUT the POP issue comes up with the AR pre. Any time I touch any button on the remote for mute/unmute/volume up/volumedown.....there is a pop not loud but annoying between the two speakers. Is it the normal static pops for AR vacum tube components or there is a defective with my AR pre ? Could anything be done to eliminate the "boops" noise without sending it back to AR? PS: the Bryston amp and the Rotel CPC are dead quite. Thanks