First, I thank everyone who has responded and encourage your continued input. I truly appreciate it. In fact, I write the following detailed response as further appreciation to your interest in this topic.
The issue occurs regardless of the source. Meaning, even if I tape a 1000Hz cycle and play it back, the same static - albeit very subtle - occurs when the volume is raised or lowered. There are numerous websites that play spot frequency sources, and I was able to reproduce this via the USB input as well.
Granted, I didn't buy the unit to play frequency tones. However, I bought it as a purported "upgrade" over what I had, and the issue I'm reporting did not occur in that case (Carver MXR130).
I have found some posts on the net that do indicate MF has noise issues with their pots, but the articles were not recent and rather dated.
Upon listening, I can say the unit plays "majestically" and produces the entire audio spectrum effortlessly. And yes, I have listened to a few ultra high end systems including McIntosh and so on (overall components in excess of 50K).
Here is something else I've discovered. And I do intend to call Musical Fidelity. First, I talked to a repair rep at the ONLY New York authorized service center - Technetron. The rep claims what I am experiencing IS abnormal and should not occur. Second, I note that the issue is evident when playing a spot frequency SINE wave and does NOT occur when playing a SQUARE wave. Moreover, if there is no source at all and the amp is simply on, if the ear is close enough to the speaker the same issue (slight static) can be heard as the volume control is raised and the noise floor in general is raised.
To Zd's point, my concern is that if I detect an issue out-of-the-box, what will happen in a year - or ten - dwon the line? My carver is over 30 years old and still packs an audible punch. Can/should I expect the same? I would think/hope so.
Further comments welcome.
