Sonics 800x Popping Sounds

I have two Sonixs 800x amplifiers that have some pretty bad behavior (significant pops and crackles) on startup and shutdown. I've had two separate speakers now that I've had a scare with from these amplifiers after I had thought they were safe to use.

Could it be as simple as a light switch in line with the speaker wire to disconnect the speakers when I turn each amplifier on and off?