Audio Systems: Static problem, passive preamp, carbon element

Question
Hello,
 I am currently using a simple passive preamp w/volume control that hooks directly to my cd player and to my 5 channel thx amp in a home system. I currently am only using for music, thus the reason for the passive 2 channel pre for the most direct signal.  Anyway, the issue I am having is many times when I move the volume up or down there is a minor to moderate static or crackling noise.  If I leave it at one volume its fine.  This also happened with my old passive pre before I upgraded.  I tried different cables and its still happening. Do you have any idea what could be causing the problem?

Thanks

Answer
You did not give much information to go on.  Without the make/model or circuit details I can only give you wild guessing!

The most common cause of "static" type noise when a carbon element rotational volume control is used is from a) a worn or dirty element inside the control or b) dc current applied to the volume control circuit.  Since b) is not the case as you said it it a passive preamp - which is an oxymoron because if passive, it cannot be a preamp because all the pre "amps" I know of have some electronic amplification and are therefore not passive.  

So, if you are looking at a) above then you should try to first rotate the volume control through its range min to max several times which will often wipe the carbon element clean and get rid of the static noise.  If that does not work you can buy cleaner fluid at an electronics supply store.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukA8Qy-M4fY

Above is one way of cleaning the potentiometer.

Now, in the worst case you may want to just replace the potentiometer with a new one.

If, however, the volume control circuit is really and active element or digitally controlled volume controller the answer to your question is entirely different!  So, let me know if the above is a sufficient solution!