correction, that was a 525 HK receiver, not 550.
I would think that it would not be the DVd player either, but the only one real non-isolated item in this experiment to determine the cause is the speaker wire.
I used signal cable, and then switched out to zip cord type speaker wire (monster or like type, not cheapo).
then, I used that wire to power my Axiom and had the same problem after switching it to the main audio out of receiver.
so, isolate wire, check. isolate speaker/ a/b, check. use two different receivers/amps, check.
what does that leave us? I can only think the CD!!
Am I crazy?