Question .. I hear a loud pop through speakers every couple minutes when playing vinyl

VPI scout
ATA phono pre

I have narrowed down the problem and it is with either the VPI or ATA phonopre. I have changed cables, amps etc and the pop remains. It happens at different points on the vinyl everytime, never the same spot.  Everything will be playing fine and then POP, then everything goes back to normal and then POP. Digital plays fine with no issues. Has anyone had a similar issue. The phonopre is like 50 hours new but I did not have this issue until last night. I have not removed the top of the ATA and changed tubes because in my experience dying tubes sound much different than this. The motor of the VPI pops when I turn it on and off and I hear this is a common problem that Scout motors have had and can be fixed easily but I dont think this has anything to do with it. My cartridge is an AT ART9 and has been flawless. I might just buy a super cheap phonopre and see if it remains. If anyone out there has ever had this issue what was the remedy?

Thanks