What...the...hell???

atmasphere said:
Sorry I am late to this.

OK- the first question that really has not been answered- you say there is cracking like when you clip an amp, but is there distortion??

If it is only crackling and if it is in both channels... and we now know that the conditioner is off the hook as are both amplifiers and apparently the Calypso. Its also not the speakers:

Additional: the problem showed up after what sounds like a fairly high-powered event. Therefore it is not something like a dirty control (which could cause crackling, but not when the control is not being moved so that idea is out). So IMO/IME this problem is a result of the event. Another clue is that the problem is in both channels.

Here is my theory: there is a bad AC connection somewhere that is feeding the power amplifier (and maybe the rest of the system too but for sure the power amp). When there is enough AC draw/heating in the connection, it starts arcing. This causes crackling that can be heard with any component as the noise is transmitted through the AC line. It could be an outlet, a defective power cord or a wire feeding that outlet that simply has a bad connection on the outlet itself... If this is the case it is potentially dangerous as it can start a fire.

If it were me I would run an extension from another room to test this theory. Ideally that would be off of a different circuit, as the problem could be a breaker in the breaker box.
Click to expand...

Thank you for weighing in! I am happy to say, I am pretty optimistic you are correct. I have avoided one suspected receptacle, on a particular outlet (or is that outlet on a receptacle?); and for some time now...have not been able to raise the issue.

"When there is enough AC draw/heating in the connection, it starts arcing"; this is also consistent with my findings. There were times, where the system would start off fine; I would start with low volumes, because if the issue sprang up...I wanted to be careful to avoid damage. But as time went on/volume slowly went up; the issue would show (and then, not go away...even with decreased volume, or swapping out a piece of kit). I told someone "it's almost as if the issue, is in the line"; but I thought that sounded implausible and dumb.

But your explanation seems to fit; and the scientific foundation, makes it sound less like wishful thinking ;)

Of course the acid test now, would be to put something back on that outlet; but I'm almost nervous too, as I'd rather just leave well enough alone (though I know I have to; even before you pointed out the potential fire hazard :afraid:
 
If it were me I would pull that outlet out and see if the wiring on it was OK and secure.

If you are not qualified to do electrical work then get an electrician to look at it.

However, it will stop arcing when no power is being drawn. So again if it were me, I would try the outlet again to see if the symptom shows up.

If it is the outlet what a wonderful time to update/upgrade it huh?
 
Hi Chris,

I found this thread when searching for some insight regarding an issue I am having with my system. My system is very different to yours in most ways, but has recently developed the same symptoms: ticks, pops, crackles and occasional short warbles, often occurring after about forty-five minutes of playing, but at other times immediately upon start up. I have been unsuccessful in isolating the issue to date.

Current problem

My system - until the addition of an Aurencer N100 - comprised the following: Panasonic BluRay player -(Toslink)-> newish DAC (sorry, can't disclose model at this stage) -> custom SET amps -> custom GPA 604-III-8H speakers. I have also had an old AC filter in the system and don't use fancy AC cords at this stage; my speaker and interconnect cables are solid core, FWTW. This system has worked without issue, except for some sensitivity to AC-related noise, but this is minor and not a concern. I recently added the N100 and noticed straight away the ticks and pops.

Investigation to date

With the N100 in the system, this is what I have done to isolate the issue:

  • The system is fine when running the BluRay player into the new DAC; this issue only occurs with the N100 in the system.
  • Tried different USB cables (Kimber Silver USB, two generics) - the nature of the sound and symptoms change slightly, but persist.
  • N100 into old W4S DAC2 - have tried this on two different occasions, no problems with this arrangement even after a couple of hours (still, this may not be long enough).
  • PC (not optimised) running XMOS drivers for USB 2.0 into newish DAC - have tried on two different occasions, once for whole day, no problems.
  • Re-routed cables - after doing this, the issue seemed to be resolved... but started to occur after changing albums/ 45 minutes of playing/ turning up the volume (these all occurred at about the same time).
  • Started playing system fresh off stand-by - was fine for about 45 minutes/ changed albums but issue recurred.
  • Started playing system with newish DAC just off standby but N100 turned on for a few hours - issues started immediately upon play. I can't read too much into this though, because I think(?) that the issue has also occurred immediately upon starting the N100 from cold.
  • Tried running either the newish DAC and/or N100 from a different AC filter/ straight from wall/ UPS - no difference, issue still recurs.

Possible causes

Interestingly, our systems have in common a N100 and DACs using an XMOS USB receiver (the Vega uses XMOS, IIRC) - I have wondered whether these two devices might not communicate well? But, I have very limited experience and defer to others' deeper knowledge. Apparently this issue has occurred (rarely!) for other Aurender users and has been rectified by using a different USB cable. My other concern was that grounding (with the N100 in the loop) or AC line noise could be causing the issue, but I am starting to think this is less likely the cause.


Anyhow, that is where I am at presently. Eric (from Aurender) and my local dealer are in frequent contact and looking the issue and the DAC manufacturer has also been very helpful.

Stay tuned. Hopefully we can get something sorted soon.

Cheers,
Ray
 
91derlust said:
Hi Chris,

I found this thread when searching for some insight regarding an issue I am having with my system. My system is very different to yours in most ways, but has recently developed the same symptoms: ticks, pops, crackles and occasional short warbles, often occurring after about forty-five minutes of playing, but at other times immediately upon start up. I have been unsuccessful in isolating the issue to date.

Current problem

My system - until the addition of an Aurencer N100 - comprised the following: Panasonic BluRay player -(Toslink)-> newish DAC (sorry, can't disclose model at this stage) -> custom SET amps -> custom GPA 604-III-8H speakers. I have also had an old AC filter in the system and don't use fancy AC cords at this stage; my speaker and interconnect cables are solid core, FWTW. This system worked without issue, except for some sensitivity to AC-related noise, but this has not been an issue. I recently added the N100 and noticed straight away the ticks and pops.

Investigation to date

With the N100 in the system, this is what I have done to isolate the issue:


  • The system is fine when running the BluRay player in the new DAC; this issue only occurs with the N100 in the system.
  • Tried different USB cables (Kimber Silver USB, two generics) - the nature of the sound and symptoms change slightly, but persist.
  • N100 into old W4S DAC2 - have tried this on two different occasions, no problems with this arrangement even after a couple of hours (still, this may not be long enough).
  • PC (not optimised) running XMOS drivers for USB 2.0 into newish DAC - have tried on two different occasions, once for whole day, no problems.
  • Re-routed cables - after doing this, the issue seemed to be resolved... but started to occur after changing albums/ 45 minutes of playing/ turning up the volume (these all occurred at about the same time).
  • Started playing system fresh off stand-by - was fine for about 45 minutes/ changed albums but issue recurred.
  • Started playing system with newish DAC just off standby but N100 turned on for a few hours - issues started immediately upon play. I can't read too much into this though, because I think(?) that the issue has also occurred immediately upon starting the N100 from cold.
  • Tried running either the newish DAC and/or N100 from a different AC filter/ straight from wall/ UPS - no difference, issue still recurs.

Possible causes

Interestingly, our systems have in common a N100 and DACs using an XMOS USB receiver (the Vega uses XMOS, IIRC) - I have wondered whether these two devices simply don't communicate well? Recent Aurender firmware change an issue, perhaps? Apparently this issue has occurred for other Aurender users, but has been rectified by using a different USB cable. My other concern is that grounding (with the N100 in the loop) or AC line noise could be causing the issue, but I am starting to think this is less likely the case.


Anyhow, that is where I am at presently. I have Eric (from Aurender) and my local dealer looking the issue and the DAC manufacturer has also been very helpful.

Stay tuned. Hopefully we can get something sorted soon.

Cheers,
Ray
Click to expand...

Welcome to AS Ray.

Interesting take. Another member here, Bluefox had a recent issue with his Lumin and a firmware glitch causing a burst of static at certain points during playback. Wonder if the mismatch you mention here could be a similar issue/incompatibility?
 
Hey, thanks for the warm welcome gents! Seems like a friendly forum - I like it and will hang around for while!

Yes, could be the firmware. Eric has logged on to my N100 and found nothing unusual written to the unit's log; he believes data is getting to output just fine. But, without a detailed knowledge of how these things work, I am guessing firmware could still have an impact.

Next, I will try an USB cable that was used to resolve a similar issue in the past. If that fails, then...

I really would like to get this sorted out. The Aurender approach with local caching and clean USB output on a solid proprietry platform seems like a potentially robust - if a little expensive - system. Here's hoping!

Thanks again for the welcome!

Cheers,
Ray
 
Wow; scary as hell...that we have the N100 in common. And that if I understand correctly...your issue didn't start, until you got yours?

However...mine didn't start, until I had a significant voltage incident; starting the Aesthetix Calypso...with the amps powered on. Before that, I noticed no issue with the Aurender.

I haven't been back to what I suspect is the issue...a blown receptacle (from the incident); but I also haven't been listening a TON lately...as it's Spring, and I'm moving some gear around.

FWIW...I'm using a Wireworld Silver Starlight.
 
Hi Chris,

I will interested to see whether the receptacle is the culprit. Also, I recall you said after the incident that the system played fine... until you put the Vega in the system? Of course, the system may have just been going through the warm-up/ problem-free period. But you have also said the issue occurs with the Oppo... Grrr, difficult to track down!

Hopefully you can get it sorted soon. Enjoy spring. We are entering Autumn here; finally, the end to hot and humid days.

Cheers,
Ray
 
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