REL Strata III - faint crackle/pop sounds


I've been very happy with my REL Strata III for many years. However, I recently started hearing a faint crackle/pop sound coming from it whenever it is powered on.

Any ideas for what I can try to do to diagnose the problem? Any recommended repair places? I can try Sumiko (USA distributor) but I would prefer a recommendation from folks on this forum before I send it to them.

Thanks in advance!
theasianmenace
I had a similar problem with my Stentor 111. Not sure if it what you have but there were crackles on turn on and during play at times as well and I used to keep my unit on all the time. It turned out the be the protection circuit and the problem was with the traces in the board itself and a whole new board was needed. This was available via the REL distributor for around $200. No problem since it was replaced. It was very frustrating so I hope this helps.
To follow up on this thread... I finally ended up calling Sumiko Audio because I happen to live nearby in Northern California. I worked with Kendra in customer service and she was very helpful in arranging for diagnosis and eventual refurbished replacement of the amplifier board ($100).
Found this thread on a Google search. Am experiencing the exact same problem with the same Sub (Strata III).

Was your problem fixed with the $100 amp board replacement?

My issue appears to be isolated to the Hi-level input. Also unsure if it is related to the amp it's plugged into. Still debugging.

Any assistance appreciated.

Thank you.
My Strata III did the same thing about a year and a half ago.I removed the control/ amp assembly, sprayed contact cleaner in the on/off rocker switch, and worked the switch back and forth a few times. It hasn't made the crackling noise since.
Excellent! Thanks much for the reply. I will let you know if it solves my issue.