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realz

macrumors member
Original poster
Apr 16, 2009
40
0
New York
Hi,
I am facing issues with my new mac mini HTPC setup. I have my mac mini 2.26GHZ (late 2009) connected to my Samsung HT-TZ515 home theater system via TOSlink (http://www.amazon.com/Toslink-To-Op...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1259791911&sr=8-1).

I am running PLEXapp for Media Center. All my audio is perfect except, I hear crackling and pops from my Rear surround speakers every 20 minutes or so… the occurrence is very random, sometimes it doesn't happen for an hour, other times i get crackling every 20 minutes.

My home theater system is absolutely fine as it doesn't have any issues when i connected it to my DVR or TV.
I tried connecting the system through RCA and still had bad audio.

It doesn't matter what file i play. Crackling occurs on LPCM, DTS, of Dolby Digital tracks and even mp3.
Right now my suspicion is mac mini's audio card.

BTW, Mac Mini is connected to a surge protector and it is earthed.
I never get any audio distortion in my center or front speakers, its only rear speakers.

Its not a file issue, as even if I pause the media when the crackling happens, the crack and pop sounds continue for about 5 seconds.

After 5 seconds it always gets back to flawless audio until crackling returns.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.
 
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