Pioneer VSX-921-K W/ TSI300 Popping/cracking

oleon621

I just got this receiver the other day and after I hooked everything up and tried playing a blu ray, I realized there is a popping sound coming from the left and right TSI300s that i have hooked. Can you guys help>>?

rebuy

Would you go into more detail?

tonyb

Yes more info please.
What is the other gear your running ? How is it hooked up and did you set up the receiver before dropping in a movie ?

oleon621

I have an HDMI out going to the TV and all my components are connected via HDMI to receiver. I turn on DirectTV box along with the TV and receiver. The audio through the speakers seem to either stutter the whole time or pop and crackle on the left and right channels (TSI300in this case). When i hook up the PS3 to the receiver and use the HDMI out from receiver to the TV and play a movie. I get clear dialogue but with pop and crackle.

When i play the radio from the receiver all is well. Same thing when i hook my ipad and play music from it. It seems to have issues my direct tv box and PS3 hooked up through HDMI

Clipdat

In my totally uneducated opinion, it almost sounds like a sample rate issue or something with the HDMI inputs.

Since the tuner works perfectly, we know it's not an issue with the speakers or the connections to them. I would take a look at the input/output settings for the HDMI signals. Could always try a factory reset of the AVR as well.

tonyb

You have to go in the receivers menu and set up each input, as to what audio, connected by what, how many speakers, etc. Please read the manual if you haven't yet, todays receivers aren't plug and play like the old stereo ones from days gone by. Also, make sure your hdmi cables are 1.3 at least and double check those speaker connections. No fray copper touching another post or plastic stuck inside a post.

oleon621

I tried a factory reset and it was a no go. I'm going to go through the instruction manual again. Maybe I"m missing something in the settings. I"ll report back

Clipdat wrote: »

In my totally uneducated opinion, it almost sounds like a sample rate issue or something with the HDMI inputs.

Since the tuner works perfectly, we know it's not an issue with the speakers or the connections to them. I would take a look at the input/output settings for the HDMI signals. Could always try a factory reset of the AVR as well.

oleon621

I have already tried going into the settings and made sure that audio is set through HDMI and not another connections. The VSX come with an automatic speaker calibrator and it does all the work for me as far as figuring out the speaker setup. I've certainly gone throught the manua several times but it won't hurt to go through again. How do I check if my HDMI cable are at least 1.3? I've made a sure its not a connection with the speakers, so i should be good int hat department. I"m going to try a different configuration and I"ll let you guys know how it goes.

tonyb wrote: »

You have to go in the receivers menu and set up each input, as to what audio, connected by what, how many speakers, etc. Please read the manual if you haven't yet, todays receivers aren't plug and play like the old stereo ones from days gone by. Also, make sure your hdmi cables are 1.3 at least and double check those speaker connections. No fray copper touching another post or plastic stuck inside a post.

tonyb

Don't take the calibrations word for it, you still have to fine tune things to your liking and sometimes the calibration gets things way off. Thats has nothing to do with speaker pops though. Somewhere on the HDMI cable itself or the packaging it should be stamped 1.2- 1.3-1.3a-1.4 etc.

What volume are you listening at ? Do they still pop at lower volumes ? Have you tried a different hdmi port on the receiver ? Some of pioneers receivers have had problems with hdmi boards going bad so if all else fails, take it back or call Pioneer CS. Have you checked the setup in the BDP and PS3 ? Make sure the audio matches to what the receiver is set at.

oleon621

ALrigh guys. I have an update. I connected my whole system down stairs in my living room and I had no issues whatsoever. I hooked up the hdmi out to the old LG Plasma TV and then HDMI in from direct tv box to receiver. Getting good Dolby Digital sound with no popping or stuttering from audio. I also used a different HDMI out cable. So i think i have pin pointed it down to either the HDMI cable i had in the bedroom or the TV i have. The TV in my bedroom is a Samsung LCD LN52A550. I'll update you guys when I come to a conclusion.

Clipdat

Sweet! Glad to hear that you are really close to a solution! New HDMI cable is a cheap and easy fix.

oleon621

After I did some further testing in the living room downstairs at higher volumes I noticed the issue again(grrrrrrrr). It started off clear and crispy and after some time and at a higher volume i had the same issue again. I guess I spoke to soon. At this point I have checked all the connections and thoroughly read through the manual and at this point I"m going to have to conclude I have a bad receiver. There is a pioneer service center in my area. I'll be taking the receiver there. In the mean time I'll go back to my old JVC receiver

Clipdat

Damn! Does the popping also happen with the JVC at higher volumes?

oleon621

No, I don't have the same issue with the JVC. My system actually sounds louder but Not as crispy with the JVC.

Clipdat

Well then, I hope the monetary damage at the service center isn't too bad to get that Pioneer working correctly. Good luck!

Edit: You mentioned you just got it the other day so I assume a warranty repair/replacement is in order.

tonyb

oleon621 wrote: »

After I did some further testing in the living room downstairs at higher volumes I noticed the issue again(grrrrrrrr). :

What do you consider "higher volumes "? Whats the number on the dial when the popping happens ?

oleon621

Replacement should be in order soon. Just need to take the time and take it to a service center.

@Tonyb higher volumes is @ a start of 50 and the maximum is 80 so it's not even that loud. Then when I finally turn it down down a bit the popping continues.

oleon621

Upgraded my left and right speakers to tsi400s today! Really excited! Pioneer is set to get sent in tomorrow! In the mean time I bought a Denon avr1513

Clipdat

Damn! Why the upgrade to the Tsi400s? Did you fear the 300s were damaged now? Or just going to move them into surround sound duty?

That Denon looks pretty sweet, shame they did include proper binding posts for $250 though. Nice that it has fully discrete amps though!

oleon621

I did fear the 300s were possibly damaged and best buy had the 400s on sale so i went with those instead. There is a noticeable difference I must say. The CSI5 is doing a good job for my center channel. Now I just need some nice rears and a decent sub!

Clipdat wrote: »

Damn! Why the upgrade to the Tsi400s? Did you fear the 300s were damaged now? Or just going to move them into surround sound duty?

That Denon looks pretty sweet, shame they did include proper binding posts for $250 though. Nice that it has fully discrete amps though!