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"popping" when moving to balanced cables on Amp

Hi all,

I'm a bit perplexed on something. I just got some balanced XLR cables with Nutrik connectors for my Anthem setup. I have an AMV-20 Anthem Preamp and an MCA-20 amplifier. The cables really made the system come even more alive!

When I turn my setup OFF, there is a HUGE POP that now comes from the speakers when the amp turns off. There was no such massive pop when I was using RCA interconnects.

Is this characteristic??????? I don't know what to do and where to begin diagnosing. I guess one could say it's the cables, but that makes no sense?!!!

I haven't had any problems with the amplifier or the pre-amp and turning the volume DOWN before turning the system off doesn't make any difference.

Help!!!! I don't want to damage my speakers.

I have Revel Performa M22's and the Anthem AVM-20 and MCA-20 as I mentioned above. I am using Audioquest Type 4 speaker cable and now I just got new Balanced XLR connectors (.5 meter) from CableSolutions.
internetmin
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
I would start by checking the wiring of the XLR leads with a multimeter from radio shack...perhaps you have a crossed or open wire, Did you leave the RCA conected too...perhaps you should disconnect the RCA?
internetmin OP
258 posts
 
I disconnected the RCA first-thing so that I only had the balanced connected. The balanced cables are brand new.

The question is what is normally the cause of this type of "popping" when you turn off an amplifier. I always recall that my audio system had some type of minor "pop" when turning it off, but this is much, much louder.
ghostrider45
449 posts
 
Dumb question - are you turning the power amp off first, then the pre?
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
" I always recall that my audio system had some type of minor pop" when turning it off, but this is much, much louder"

Well, you do have more gain using balanced connections...6db, I think?

Dave
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
The question is what is normally the cause of this type of "popping" when you turn off an amplifier. I always recall that my audio system had some type of minor "pop" when turning it off, but this is much, much louder.
Internetmin

Most of the time the 'popping' sound is caused by a leaky capacitor in the amp. Dave has a good reason it could be louder, the additional 6 db gain that you get from running balanced. Can you take the cables back to the dealer and try another pair? If so do it, if the pop persist then I would say your amp needs some maintenance. If the pop disappears, you had some bad cables.

Best wishes,
John
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