So. After reading everything I could on this forum about the famous gray background problem that is present regardless of the amp or preset used. I decided to write to support. After 1 month of email exchanges (they replied at weekly intervals), they want me to send them my Quad, which is still under warranty. I’m reluctant because I find it inconceivable to have to pay over $110 Canadian to have my unit sent to them when it’s still under warranty. In short, I’m trying to see if there’s anything I can do before sending it to them.
Things I’ve tried:
- I bought myself a Cioks DC7 with the Cioks Crux, thinking it would reduce hum, noise and hissing. When I compare with the original plug, there is absolutely no change or reduction of background noise. I often play with my headphones and was told that the Cioks would grounder the Quad and that the ground buzz (when I play with my headphones) would disappear. However, with the Cioks or the original ps, I get the same ground noise.
- I’ve tried plugging my Quad into XRL in my PA, and there’s still a little hiss on each note.
- I’ve done the reboot, the reset, the factory reset.
- Playing with my headphones, I’ve tried the trick of reducing the input to -9db and adding a gain block to +9 and the ground noise is still there, even plugged in with my Cioks. Also tried to reduce the HP out to -12db.
I’m sharing the video/audio I sent to Neural DSP support if you’re ever curious.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15oChS-4gf8MOEe6jALPOK15ETs_hftFU
In fact, I’m making this thread to follow up on this problem and if you have any progress on your side.
Personally, I’m considering whether or not to send it in for repair and pay the shipping costs…