The TV is plugged into the same circuit, but I also tried plugging it into a different outlet/circuit with the same result.

I have also disconnected/unplugged the DirecTv DVR and cables/power, with no change....

New high speed up to date HDMI cables were ordered monday from monoprice. Well see if that helps the buzz....

So.
1. It worked for at least 20 minutes.
2. You ran Audessey and it broke.
3. A hard reset (which will take Audessey back to it's default config) didn't fix the problem.
4. As you add more loads (connects) to the HMDI circuit the noise gets worse.

Things are starting to point to a hardware failure in the Marantz. Maybe the power supply for the HDMI circuit is on the fritz and the more connects you hookup the worse it regulates.

Hope the new cables work. If not I think it's time to send the Marantz back.

You are correct EEman,

I also multiple analogue hookups (CD, multi channel from the Oppo, turntable and a VCR) and with these hooked up and no HDMI, there is no noise.

Start hooking up HDMI cables and it appears.

I should have the new HDMI cables tomorrow. I am going to move a smaller LCD HDTV into this room and hook it up with the current set up but if the new cables dont work, I will ask Outlaw for a replacement unit.

cp1966,

Be sure to let me know if the new cables don't resolve the issue. I greatly appreciate the efforts you have made to isolate the actual cause of the hum.

Best,
Scott

Scott, you and Jim have been VERY helpful. I REALLY DO appreciate all the time you guys have spent helping me over the phone.

I will keep you posted.

New HDMI cords finally arrived very late in the day today. I will hook them up tomorrow.

Long cords makes no improvement.

Calling Scott......


Rats, Scott is out, Jim on the phone with another customer.

I also tried running a ground from the 7005 to a water pipe, a ground from the DirecTv DVR to a water pipe, and the DVR to the 7005; No difference.

I may have solved it;

Hooking up all the sources via HDMI (DirecTv DVR, DVD jukebox, Oppo, PS3) in any combination of inputs seems fine ( a very very very small amount of noise audible in speakers), and even having a HDMI cable hooked up at the output of the 7005, it sounds clear.

But as soon as I connect the output HDMI to the TV, BINGO!

I am running a second test to confirm as I have tried so many different configs......


*** UPDATE***

Unplugged the plasma for about 90 minutes. Ran the above scenario and its the same;

4 source componenets connected to the Marantz 7005 via HDMI an 0 HDMI outputs connected = no noise. Connect a HDMI to output 1 and no noise. Connect the other end of the HDMI to the Plasma = noise.

I connected the output to a 32" LCD HDTV and there is a very small amount of noise, but nothing like when its connected to the plasma.

Jim is sending out a replacement 7005. I will also contact some plasma repair places and see if they have seen this before.

What else is connected to the plasma directly? Could it be the ground from the TV is compromised by equipment connected to it?