"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
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
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
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.
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!