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  3. 173637-90633

Unidentifiable popping sound

Not 100% sure it goes in this forum — apologies if there is a better place.

For 6 months now, something in my system is making a clicking/popping sound. It usually happens 15 minutes after I power things up, or about 10 minutes after I power them down. It can also happen spontaneously when everything is technically on standby. I actually have a recording of it, but not sure how to upload here. Any ideas?

Preamp — Nagra Jazz (possible) (it happened with both old and brand new tubes)
Amp — Nagra Classic Amp (possible)
DAC/Source — PS Audio Directstream (possible)
Phono stage — Pure Audio LV-1 (probably not)
TT — Clearaudio Concept (definitely not that)
Cables — Luna Orange (also, definitely not that)
 

128x128andbaron
fiesta75
1,378 posts
 

Glad to see you're in a joyous mood oldhvy. 😀 Happy New Year!

4krowme's avatar
4krowme
542 posts
 

Timing? I have a hit and miss amp.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,496 posts
 

Do they sound like the weasel?

wolverine1
39 posts
 

I had this problem with my PS Audio Directstream dac when using the bridge.  PS Audio was very helpful and sent me special firmware updates and a new bridge to try but the popping continued.  Finally, they took back the bridge.  Things sound very good even without it.

gs5556
1,209 posts
 

Popping sounds when there are tubes in the signal chain can be caused when the tube loses contact with the circuit -- bad tube, loose socket, or socket to wire or socket to board solder joint. Usually happens when heating up and cooling down as the bad solder joint  shifts with change in temperature. 

Substitute another preamp to rule this out.

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