Another update.
So the resistor hack/mod was a complete FAIL.
I then looked at some of the library files.. (not my strongest skill to be clear!) LOL.. but not that many references to a 'reset()'
But I found this in the .h file
bool begin(Stream& stream, bool isACK = true, bool doReset = true);
so I removed the doReset boolean..
closed the IDE... re-opened.. and still got the same 'pop'..
At this point.... I have no clue how to handle this? (can I some how use a transistor to toggle one of the speaker lines.. or something?.. after power is on/after a second or two?)
updated:
Leaving the above for truth/others..
So I went back and and instead of the boolean on the arguments being removed..
I actually commented out this line:
file:
DFRobotDFPlayerMini.cpp
line#:
103 (I believe)
part of this method/function:
bool DFRobotDFPlayerMini::begin(Stream &stream, bool isACK, bool doReset){
this line: (comment it out)
//reset();
I have reset a few times, and do -not- hear the pop any more.
I have lowered the volume previously.. but will do more tests, and raise the volume, can anyone confirm the same results?
If this does indeed work, then thanks to member @JakeSoft for giving me the tip!... hes the hero! 
It helps make these little $1.50 boards more usable!