And I (and many others) get Crackling from Speakers when connecting any Multi-Channel Device to the MD1 of our IE42 Cards on our 861's. (Happens when connecting an 800DVD; 3 by SPDIF Modified Panasonic and also my HD621)
Connect the same Device to the MD2 and nirvana ensues. It's never been an issue as connecting other Single SPDIF Players to D1-D3 of MD1 never exhibits any problems or crackling. The problem only raises its head with Multi-Channel devices, which until about 12 months ago was the 800 or G98 only
This has been discussed here many times down thru the years and the "advice" from Meridian has never varied. I plan to replace my IE42 card soon, but at my expense as it's been in there (with the same issue) since about 2003/4
My advice would be to connect to the MD2 of your IE42 / 861 unless you already have another Multi-Channel device connected to it
Last edited by Ronnie Hurley; 2009-12-06 16:02.