I have 4 speakers set up right now, but I didn't intend on using all 4....you want me to see if drawing less power from the receiver will effect it by using one speaker, right? I've checked to see if it does what I was describing using either set separately, and it does...it's as if it cannot provide enough power for either pair, not just the Klipsch....I'll try just one...pretty sure it won't make a difference, though...thanks.
Update: Yup, still breaks up, snaps, crackles and pops at relatively low volumes, but less when low end is limited, even when only one speaker is isolated...not feeling good about crackling coming from the amp, itself, not just the speakers...I'm wondering if restoration is even an option and how costly it would be...I'd also like to get an opinion on what could cause those symptoms, if possible, so I'd know if I should just shut it off until I figure out if I'm risking further damage by using it at all. Not feeling too good about my purchase, at this point...I figured with cosmetic issues being slightly worse than I originally expected, (the scope has a dead spot in the center, the square buttons used for adjusting balance are not only missing, but metal pieces they attach to are both broken off, cabinet has noticeable damage not detectable from photos, etc., etc.) and having paid over a thousand dollars already (full asking price), I figured it would have been nice if it at least sounded good...that's O.K., much worse things have happened recently...anyway, thanks for responding so quickly, earlier, too.