The problem is probably a bad filter capacitor in the power supply section which is shorting out erratically as it charges up.

These are large electrolytic capacitors which are relatively unreliable.

A technician can verify this by connecting an oscilloscope across the filter cap and observing erratic voltage changes.

If it only does it on one of the inputs, it could be a coupling capacitor on that input, but that is unlikely.

One other possible cause could be a bad diode in the power supply rectifier circuit; much less likely.

Just registered to add, you're not the only one! Had my NR1501 since 2011 and it's recently started doing this. Is yours still working? My local hifi shop has a Sony STR-DN1040 on clearance and now I have the space for a fuller unit, i'm tempted to get it just in case it packs up totally!

@commsysman - i know you're probably just making an educated guess about this but typically, how much longer would they last with this problem and would the repair be worth it? These were one of the first slimline AVRs and are very light. In my mind, when it came to amps, weight always equalled quality parts - not sure how true that is these days but could that also be a factor?

I'd also add that the noise I hear is more of a "digital" popping/crackling than an "analogue" one and it happens on all my HDMI inputs, regardless of what is connected to them.

Hi. Sorry to bump a zombie thread but I also have the same problem. I only notice it on the radio input though but otherwise identical. Did either of you get this fixed and/or did it get worse or stabilise? As it is for me it only continues about 15 - ,30 seconds and at present I could justify replacing it. TIA for you advice!