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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
internetmin OP
258 posts
 
ok if I power the amp up last and turn it off first then that solves all popping issues. In other words if there is power to the speakers and I turn the preamp on then that is when I get the popping.

So I would assume that is the issue.

I really want to automate the on off process with a single command. The Anthem amp has an auto-on feature that solves the on sequence but not the power down. Do you all with separates manually turn on your equipment one piece at a time or do you use triggers or what??

I have a Panamax power conditioner that does delayed startup and shutdown but I can't use it with the anthem gear. It blows the fuse because the anthem products have their own internal power conditioners that do not like any others in the chain.

Thanks a ton for all the advice. I think I'm getting closer!!!

Ted
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Do you all with separates manually turn on your equipment one piece at a time or do you use triggers or what??

Ted
Internetmin

Yes, I turn all equipment on and off one piece at a time, and I have monoblock amps. :)
No triggers here, I don't trust them.

John
stevemcx
166 posts
 
Your Anthem preamp does not consume very much current (about like a 70W light bulb) so you might consider just leaving it on. In my opinion, there is no particular reason to turn it off other than having all the lights off.
ghostrider45
449 posts
 
I run monos and they are always last on first off. My pre runs 24x7. Source components are a mixed bag. Some run 24x7, others are turned on/off for each listening session.

Power up sequence is always sources then monos. Power down is the reverse. All switching is manual.

If you must have automated turn on/turn off you need a sequencer, not a trigger. These are built into some power conditioners.

Be careful, though. You don't want anything inline with your power amp that might limit its ability to draw AC current. I prefer having the power amps go straight into the wall.

Remember, it's not high end if it's convenient!
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