I have an SAE XXX preamp that has a slight sizzling/crackling sound on one channel and only on one channel. It is unaffected by the volume control and is constant and only noticeable when the volume from source is at dead zero. Yes the slider pots have been cleaned with Deoxit F5. This unit was recapped a few years ago with premium caps and other than the slight noise sounds and works great. Here's the catch. When I engage Tone Defeat the sound completely disappears and all is well. The first thing I guessed was a bad bass//treble slider but don't think that's the issue. When moving the tone sliders up/down the sizzle remains very constant. Yes I have reflowed all solder points. Any ideas?





