First off, I'm experiencing crackling issues with my speakers (soundsticks ii). They don't crackle all the time and it's not extremely loud, but it's noticeable to me. This is what my iTunes equalizer looks like; it seems really strange that I'm experiencing crackling when the preamp level is so low:
Also, is there a "proper" way to set audio levels? My speakers are set to a constant level where the highest OS X sound level is the loudest I'd want, iTunes is set to about 3/4, and I make changes to the system volume.

Also, is there a "proper" way to set audio levels? My speakers are set to a constant level where the highest OS X sound level is the loudest I'd want, iTunes is set to about 3/4, and I make changes to the system volume.