Strange Noise

Posted by: Shane. on 10 August 2016

Recently acquired a lovely Naim Nait 3. This example was serviced by 'Class A' in 2013. Excellent , musically, and communicative sound!

I'm hearing some annoying noises coming through the speakers. The best possible way for me to describe it. It's like a 'popping' noise, similar to what you hear from a vinyl LP.

The popping noise happens pretty much at random times.

I know the Nait 3 is in fine working condition. It sounds clear as a bell. There is certainly no distortion/humming etc. 

I have also experienced this same 'popping' noises with two other integrated amplifiers. (Exposure X & Sonneteer Campion)

Have also owned two Nait 5i amps....Never heard any 'popping' noises through them!

What is the cause for this?

Thanks.

S.

Posted on: 10 August 2016 by Dungassin

Don't know, but mains-borne interference (switching noise from fridges, freezers etc) is a likely cause IMO, if it has happened with more than one amplifier.   That's why I had a separate spur installed for our living room active Naim system.

Posted on: 10 August 2016 by Innocent Bystander

It happened with my first hifi system when it was traced to an old fridge. A capacitor across the compressor motor needed replacing. Not heard in the 40 years since. Some amps can be more susceptible than others, so I don't know if the silence since that time has been due to adequately suppressed domestic equipment or better rejection in the amp.

Posted on: 11 August 2016 by blythe

I strongly suspect as mentioned above, mains interference. My old tumble dryer used to make a popping sound through my hi-fi. My old central heating boiler's thermostat used to make a "fizzing" sound as it switched on/off. A replacement tumble dryer and thermostat for the boiler fixed the problem 

Posted on: 11 August 2016 by GraemeH

Mine was the central heating automated thermostat. Took ages to pin it down!

G

Posted on: 11 August 2016 by stuart.ashen

Shane,

do you have ethernet by mains equipment, eg Sky Q boxes talking to each other.  I get pops via my Stageline sometimes. I just turn the buggers off!

Just a thought,

Stu