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Loud bad noises

Recently, playing CDs I suddenty get some very bad distortion...loud rapid static. If I'd been listening to an LP I'd describe it as "skipping". It's extremely random. The CDs are not scratched. Things start out OK and then part way through a track this loud bad noise starts. It happens on various CDs. Running a Cambridge Audio D500SE to Theta DAC to Musical Fidelity Tube Buffer. I'm thinking the Cambridge Audio being used as transport is failing. I can do some further testing...just wondering if this seems familiar to anyone. Thanks in advance.
Cordially,
GH
128x128ghosthouse
satch
329 posts
 
Have you tried your setup without the MF tube buffer? The problem could be in that unit as well...
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,368 posts
 
Its usually not cost effective to replace the laser..
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse OP
4,279 posts
 
Thanks again to everyone.
Satch - haven't pulled out the MF tube buffer just yet. That was my first suspect as some older threads had indicated noise from this piece. After some futher communication with A'gon posters - I don't think what I'm experiencing is similar to the "static" they experienced with the MF tube buffer. None-the-less, as I have time - I'll check on this possible source.

Stringreen - I agree. If this noise is due to failure of the Cambridge CDP now serving as transport - and simple "maintenance" won't fix it...I'll be looking for a new transport!

hmm...Christmas and later my birthday, are not that far off....
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse OP
4,279 posts
 
Replaced the Cambridge CDP with a Sony from the home theater. After ~2 hrs the static/zipping noise was back. It's not the CD laser. Next up, need time to replace the digital cable see if that might be the problem. 2ndarily pull out the tube buffer. I have a bad feeling it is the DAC.
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse OP
4,279 posts
 
The DAC has been out of the chain while the Cambridge CDP is back in with the MF tube buffer. No loud bad noises and all has been good for weeks. The DAC is in for servicing but nothing wrong can be found with it so far. I'm told this model (Theta Pro Prime II) is very sensitive to static buildup and the noise might be static discharge. Room air humidification is recommended. Anyone else ever confront this sort of problem? BTW the Theta did add some magic to the system (air, detail, bass extension) and I miss it!
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