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Help with system/ARC noise

Hi there!
Im new to this hobby and started to build my sytem. Currently i have an audio research ref5se preamp/ARC DS450 amp/B&W804D.  I hooked my oppo 105 to play CD and audio streaming using pandora. The problem is I'm getting noise and sometimes a loud pop of noise. I'm using audioquest yukon entry level xlr interconnects. All units are connected in individual wall ac. I called ARC and they said ARC ref5se and DS450 amp are compatible and should have no impedance issue and they already paired it before. I already isolated signal cables from power cables. My next step is to get a power distribution/conditioner and see if this will solve the problem. To old timers in this hobby:
1. Did you encounter similar problems and how did you guys solve it?
2. Any experience/suggestion on power conditioner to match with ARC with good result?
3. When hooking digital players like oppo or any cd player do you need to have a DAC unit even if the player has a built in DAC?

Any input is highly appreciated.



biggiglypanda
yakbob
462 posts
 
I'm not sure if you have any hdmi cables connected to the oppo ( to send video to a tv perhaps?) if so, try disconnecting all hdmi cables before tracking down a separate CD player.
jond's avatar
jond
5,739 posts
 
Nothing to add here except biggiglypanda is a pretty awesome username!
biggiglypanda OP
19 posts
 

jond: you difinitely add something by making me smile and easing my anxiety with your awesome comment.

biggiglypanda OP
19 posts
 

Update:

I reset my oppo to factory settings and download/update the firmware. So far I played CD playback for about 3 hours now and no loud popping noise. I hope it won't comeback.

When the oppo is on standby I can hear low hum on the speakers but only if I put my ears directly to the speaker.

With this development I plan to leave alone my oppo with my home theater set up and just invest in a separate CD player/DAC or a music steamer/DAC for my digital music.

Second: Invest in a power isolation/purification equipment to further reduce noise.

Third: work extra to support this addiction and the never ending list of equipment to complete my system lol!

Thank you so much for all your suggestions. It was a lesson for me and a lot more to learn.

 

biggiglypanda OP
19 posts
 

jafreeman: can you please educate me more on how to improve my power supply to further reduce noise. I check the Richard Gray products and I'm not sure which one to get. There's a power isolation/purification equipment and a Parallel power delivery equipment. Do you need  to combine both to enjoy the benefit?

There are so many products out there and i got dizzy already reading reviews which are all very promising. (not sure if its painted or real results).

I want a unit that is truly functional but not utlra expensive.


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