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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
biggiglypanda OP
19 posts
 
Tomcy6:
 Point well taken. At this point I am running out of wall socket to plug all my equipment so i'm planning of getting a power distribution box that will also serve as conditioner. 
The oppo seems working well now so your right- i'll enjoy it first. I read in some forums about using their oppo as DAC and hooking a mini mac as media server.

Any suggestions?
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
If you plan to keep the Oppo 105, checkout getting it modified by ModWright.    I think Oppo 105 supports DLNA so you can run DLNA server, ie JRiver, on a computer and use the Oppo as a DAC.

From my experience, I suggests adding dedicated 20 amp lines just for audio, upgrade your AC outlets with Furutech's GTX-DR-NCF Receptacle and get a power conditioner or power distributor.    

As tomcy6 mentioned, power conditioners can be tricky.   I've had many and prefer a power distributor Weizhi PRS 6.  My brother has a Shunyata Triton and he loves it.    Have heard good things on PS Audio P10.

Once you have a good foundation, try different PCs. after market fuses, IC and SC ... 

You already have a good amp, pre and speaker so off to a good start and no need to rush.


biggiglypanda OP
19 posts
 
Update: I added a richard gray substation and 600s conditioner so i have enough outlets for the entire dystem. After updating oppo's firmware the noise was gone for a while then came back. I was really having sleepless night thinking how yo solve the problem. My last resort was to change the tubes on my preamp. After inspection i noticed some white powder residue on the biggest tube of my arc pre amp though the tube looks new. After changing the tune ghe noise was gone- yay!



tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,578 posts
 
Glad to hear that everything worked out.  How does your system sound now?  Does the power conditioner improve the sound?  Enjoy!
biggiglypanda OP
19 posts
 
Tomcy, after resolving the issue i decided to separate my 2 channel system from my hometheater in which im running it with my oppo 105D. I recently added an EAT C Sharp turntable so i'm only using my 2 channel system purely for vinyl and when i want to listen to digital i go back to my oppo/HT and switch it to 2 channel. I am so happy with the sound of my system now. Its my first time to vinyl and all i can say is wow! The clarity and separation of vocals, instruments and transition of drums is so transparent and way way far than when i'm listinning to cd's or losless audio streaming using my oppo. I dont know if the power conditioner help or its because of the equipment but all i can say is i am enjoying my music. The only downside is i have to flip records every 20 min. 

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