Hi, thanks for any input. I have just recently added a power amp into my system. I am now using my integrated as a pre-amp. I did have some audioquest inserts (I really do not know their proper name ) filling the main in and pre out plugs on the back. Now of course on the pre out I have the interconnects going to the normal main in on the power amp. Would I still have the audioquest insert on the pre in the main in? I was told not to have them there, but I am experiencing sound trouble and I am looking at all possibilities so I thought I would start there.

The power amp was a used unit, but the seller stands behind it very firmly and will pay to have it fixed if there is a problem with it. I experience broken crackling sound intermittently in either channel, one channel at a time. Sometimes the sound in one channel disappears completely for a short time. I am not sure if perhaps my integrated has a problem with its pre-out circuitry. Right up to a few hours before hooking up the power amp I had flawless performance from my integrated so I am confused. That said, my integrated was never used as a pre-amp before so I would not have known of any problem. Is the circuitry on the integrated pre-outs the same as the circuitry used when it was acting as an integrated. Thanks for any thoughts.