Help with pop and then ground loop

[Intamin]

Ok...so a while ago I moved some stuff around to a different location. It didn't work. I put it all back. I then started getting an occasional static pop, not a hum like a ground loop issue, just an occasional pop. First, I unplugged everything and only had the amp and speakers connected, no pop. I added the preamp, and again no pop. Added my m5, and I got a pop. I used a different cd player to see if it was the source causing the issue, so when I hooked up a new cd player I still got the pop. So then I left the new cd player in, and unplugged the amp. I then connected my stuff to my Rotel amp. I left it on all night, and never heard a pop. I then unplugged the rotel, plugged in the multi 2 to the rotel's spot on the power conditioner, and reconnected everything. Turn it all on, and now I have a ground loop issue. I've also tried running the multi 2 and preamp on a different circuit and the cd player plugged into my conditioner, but that didn't get rid of the occasional pop, and I've tried having all of my 2 channel on a separate circuit, but still had the pop. I also never have a pop when using my HT equipment. So, having tried everything I've tried, where do I go from here? Is it something wrong with the amp that's causing the pop that I could take it in to get repaired? Thoughts? Thanks!

[aramis109]

Same wiring on both cd players? Any appliances like a fridge, heater, washing machine/dryer turning on and off at the same time? I used to get that a lot in my old apartment.

Is everything going through the APC H-15 or is something off of it?

[Intamin]

Originally Posted by aramis109

Same wiring on both cd players? Any appliances like a fridge, heater, washing machine/dryer turning on and off at the same time? I used to get that a lot in my old apartment.

Is everything going through the APC H-15 or is something off of it?

Same wiring. And no appliances that I know of. When I had the Rotel plugged in with no pop, I had it and the cd player in the apc and preamp on a separate circuit.

[naturephoto1]

Hi Alex,

I am wondering if it has something to do with the multi 2 (is that an amp or multichannel Pre/Pro) or the Preamp. It may also have to do with the inputs for one of those 2 units. I presume that you have plugged both CD players into the same input each time. Try to plug the CD players into a different input of the mult2 and the Preamp to see if you still have the problem.

Rich

[Intamin]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

Hi Alex,

I am wondering if it has something to do with the multi 2 (is that an amp or multichannel Pre/Pro) or the Preamp. It may also have to do with the inputs for one of those 2 units. I presume that you have plugged both CD players into the same input each time. Try to plug the CD players into a different input of the mult2 and the Preamp to see if you still have the problem.

Rich

The multi 2 is the amp. I've tried having the m5 in the direct one set of inputs on my p3, the new cd player into the same set of direct one inputs (both balanced and unbalanced) and the new cd player into the direct two input of the preamp. All combinations resulted in the pop. The only time I've been able to get rid of the pop is if I use the Rotel amp in place of the multi 2.

[Big Daddy]

Popping sound is usually an electrical problem that could be due to grounding problems, not enough power, loose or interfering cables, power surges, other appliances, etc. Do all the following:

• Make sure all cables are in place properly and keep the speaker cables separate from the power cables.
• Double check to make sure none of the cables are cut and exposed shielding. This can cause a short or it can pick up noise.
• Use shielded cables. Interconnect cables with two layers of copper braid shielding are the best.
• Use XLR cables, if possible.
• Plug the components in different outlets.
• Use good power conditioners/surge protectors on all components, including the cables from cable/satellite TV.
• Use ferrite core noise blockers. Check Parts Express.
• Other than that, check other electrical appliances to see if they are going on and off while you are listening to your system and causing power problems.

For additional information, read Ground Hum & Ground Loop Isolators.

[Intamin]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Popping sound is usually an electrical problem that could be due to grounding problems, not enough power, loose or interfering cables, power surges, other appliances, etc. Do all the following:

• Make sure all cables are in place properly and keep the speaker cables separate from the power cables.
  Did it, and if this were the issue I would have a pop with both amps since I remove one from the rack and put the other one in its spot
• Double check to make sure none of the cables are cut and exposed shielding. This can cause a short or it can pick up noise. Did it. If this were the issue, then I would have a pop with both amps
• Use shielded cables. Interconnect cables with two layers of copper braid shielding are the best. Most are, I think one set isn't. Either way, if this were the case, a pop would result with both amps since the interconnects remain the same
• Use XLR cables, if possible. I use balanced from my m5 to p3, and I've also tried non balanced. Both result in a pop.
• Plug the components in different outlets. I've tried every combination as stated above. I've done some to my power conditioner and others to dedicated 20 amp circuit. I've tried all on on PC. I've tried all on 20 amp circuit, and I've tried a combo. Still get the pop
• Use good power conditioners/surge protectors on all components, including the cables from cable/satellite TV. Have them. If this were an issue, both amps would have the pop
• Use ferrite core noise blockers. Check Parts Express. I suppose I could look at this, but I don't think it's the issue.
• Other than that, check other electrical appliances to see if they are going on and off while you are listening to your system and causing power problems. If it were appliances, I would have the issue with both amps. However, as soon as I put in the Multi 2 amp, within a few minutes I get my first pop. I kept my Rotel on for 24hrs plus and never had a pop. I don't think that's a coincidence since I regularly get a pop with the multi 2.

For additional information, read Ground Hum & Ground Loop Isolators.

My responses are in blue.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Intamin

My responses are in blue.

I am beginning to suspect something may be wrong with the amp. You should have it checked. One last thing you can do is read the following.

Testing for Ground Loop Problems:
http://www.siber-sonic.com/electronics/GLooptest.html
http://www.siber-sonic.com/electronics/DMMrecs.html
http://www.siber-sonic.com/electroni...tTestRead.html