Random pop sounds in my system are scaring me


Hi, I need some help and expertise on this potentially expensive situation! The last few times I've powered up my 18wpc SET amp it has been plagued by some startling "pop" sounds at random intervals. The amp switch is in the mute position, with no source selected and yet at random intervals I hear an alarming pop sound coming from the speakers. The volume of the popping isn't SUPER loud, but it does startle me and has me worried. The weird thing is, sometimes it happens, sometimes it does not. I'll have to do some more testing, but I haven't noticed this happenig when a source is actually playing through the speakers. When I bias the tubes immediately after hearing a pop, I don't see any weird numbers or behavior on the bias meter. The amp is only about 3 months old and it took so long to get, I'd hate to lose it! I know it could probably be a million different things, but does anyone have an idea of what might be happening here? Help!
Thanks!
mbleming
Snap Crackle and Pop? Kellog and Rice invented the moving coil loudspeaker while at GE and then went on to invent what they are best known for - breakfast cereal.

More seriously - this might be a capacitor breaking down...but it is hard to say as so many tnigs create Snap, Crackle and Pop - even milk!
If it is indeed a capacitor breaking down, is this something that has the risk of destroying the whole system if I keep listening?
thanks!
Try tapping the driver and output tubes with a pencil. Sometimes a bad internal connection will cause the noises you are describing. If that doesn't narrow it down for you and the noise only occures in one channel: Swap all the tubes and see if it follows. At three months old: Isn't the unit still under warranty?