My set up: Dec685-->SE34I.2-->HDT's.
Just to preface, Steve and I have been trying to troubleshoot the problem but I thought I would toss it out to the forum for more input.
In short, ordered the 6n2p's and while they were CLEARLY superior they were extremely noisy. Thought they were bad so sent them back to Steve and they actually tested good. Steve then personally auditioned another pair on a SE34I.2 and they are still extremely noisy.
The real pisser is that I love the 6n2p's, but at lower volumes the crackling drives me to drink!

I'm thinking the problem may be my source, namely, the Dec685 injecting too much input voltage.
Would appreciate any thoughts
Ted :