But the pops and clicks that are added to the audio are extremely frustrating!

I haven't even noticed the loud pop that is supposed to happen when you turn it on with your phones plugged in.

To avoid unwanted pops and thermal noise, suggest let the tubes warm up for a minute or two before jack-in and jack-out before turning the unit off.

I had my headphones on my head and turned the device on, and heard a loud pop like noise