If the unit is already set to poor audio source, then some people have reported that this can causing pops.

Sounds like the source when stopped and started is causing digital lock to be lost. Do you hear the relays click when you do this?

Meridian owner since 1992
Prime & PSU, Focal Elear headphones, Roon (ROCK 8Gi5 NUC), Explorer 1 & 2, F80. 200/203, various Sonos (via Roon).