Update....one of the problems I am encountering is the need to clean the HDMI contacts with DEOX. I purchased all new cables 2 months ago. I cleaned the HDMI input connections and the problems went away...for a couple of weeks. Then I began experiencing again the video/audio drop outs. I cleaned the HDMI terminals again and the problem goes away...So at least I can keep the 976 working by cleaning the hdmi contacts. This is what OUTLAW did when the 2 week old preamp went back for service. So at least I can keep it running, but not what I would expect from a hi-end preamp....

Are you using a spray cleaner? In my experience, spray cleaners can cause more problems than they solve. I use a needle applicator DeOxit Red. Applying the oily droplets is the best way to clean these types of contacts.
I've had my 976 since March and I've only had to clean it once, so far.

HDMI connections do become oxidized overtime, even when they are plugged in and in use. In the four processors/AV receivers I've had, this has always been the case. I do know the speed of oxidation depends on environmental conditions.

I looked closely at the HDMI ports in the back of my 976 and they appear to be of good quality.

That sounds strange. I would expect the connection to be more robust.

Can you check what type of pins are used in the 976 and the your HDMI cables? If there's a material difference (e.g. 976 uses tin and HMDI uses gold) then you may actually be promoting bi-metallic corrosion.


You want the same type of metals on the pins. So if the 976 uses tin your HDMI cables should be tin. If the 976 uses gold your HDMI cables should be gold.

The 976 HDMI jack pins are gold. They are the same as the jack pins in the 975 I had before.

Early on I experienced “video* only*” intermittently only w/my blu Ray. I thought it weird video, but no* audio*. Pressing Test, then Enter followed by Exit, strangely, cleared the problem. Yesterday, the wife encountered the same* w/D-TV. Turning off the power conditioner “reset” The 976 and cleared it.

I use the same make & model HDMIs to connect my DirecTV, blu Ray player, and my son’s PS4.

What is a needle applicator, DeOxit Red, and where to buy?

How to apply the oily droplets?

Sidenote: 975 has chrome RCAs; the 976, gold plated

Thanks, Tony

I bought a needle applicator bottle which can be applied very precisely. But you can get a smaller quantity. It doesn't take much, so even a small quantity, like the one from the link below, can last a long time.

https://www.amazon.com/Wireworld-DEOXIT-...ords=Deoxit+red

Apply it to both sides of the middle wafer of the HDMI jack. There are contact pins on each side.

Some of these pins (19) relate to video, some audio, others are for HDCP handshaking and so forth.
So, you can see why oxidation issues can cause either video or audio or handshaking problems.

In your estimation would this improve the lengthy handshake time? Either way I plan to get some as it just makes sense!

Thnx, Tony

I don't think it will improve the handshake time. I do think it makes the handshake more consistent.
The TV in any system, the HDMI sink device, facilitates the successful handshake.
Better connectivity with all pin contacts = better results.

My 976 has four used HDMI inputs and one output going to the TV. I have been reading about HDCP strippers and the success many are having resolving problems similar to mine. So, my question. If I am having HDCP handshake issues, should I put a stripper on each used input to the 976, or just 1 stripper on the 976 HDMI out to TV?

On the way! Ordered several days ago. Thnx for the tip.