Dead Amp??

[Shim]

I just got a used NAD reciever on e-bay that the guy said "everthing works fine and is in excellent condition" where have I heard that one before?

Without anything attached I plugged it in to check it's power up and it made a "Clunk" where the power cord enters the back of the unit. I can unplug it and it does that silently, but everytime I plug it in it goes CLUNK
A green light comes on in the corner of the led screen but that's all that works.
Does anyone have an idea what the problem might be?

[FastEddy]

Got a screw driver?

[Shim]

Yea, I just got one one in the mail

[FastEddy]

All may not be lost ... open 'er up and see what is "clunking" around in there, then maybe you can fix it with a little solder / glue / bubble gum ...

[Shim]

I checked the fuses with a volt meter and they all test out ok. The clunk noise comes from underneath what looks like a mini transformer ahead of the larger one right where the power cord comes in.
I read something about relays can cause that kind of sound but thats out of my expertise level.

[jaycee]

It probably has a mini transformer to supply a standby voltage to a microcontroller. THe main power is then switched on by the micro when you press the power button. I guess for some reason, that's not working right.

To be honest, if you don't have any electronics experience, it's best to leave repair to a professional. Make sure you give that sucker bad feedback!

[Shim]

thanks guys, no I don't feel that electrically inclined.
He gets Pay-Pal arbitration and REALLY bad feedback if he doesn't respond positively soon

[FastEddy]

" ... The clunk noise comes from underneath what looks like a mini transformer ahead of the larger one right where the power cord comes in. ..."

Please look around for loose screws and floating small parts before you close it up ... I always turn my projects upside down and shake 'em before closing the hood ... those tiny little bits of solder can really mess up your day ... zzzzzttttttt

" ... The main power is then switched on by the micro [relay?] when you press the power button. ..."

If your clunking noise is a "slow start" relay, then not to worry ... it will either eventually fail, so you can then replace it ... ... or it will keep on ticking and last forever and just be annoying ...

" ... He gets Pay-Pal arbitration and REALLY bad feedback if he doesn't respond positively soon ..."

I would not condemn the device just yet ... or give someone some bad feedback until you are sure that there really is something wrong with the device.

The important thing is: How does the amp sound ???

[Shim]

Well, this was his response:

Sorry for the delay in responding. I have been away from the PC since Sunday, and I just got a chance to check my email. The receiver has a protection circuit built into it to protect it against power surges. You know how annoying it is when the power goes off for a split second here in Florida as the grid switches transformers? Every time it happens, the receiver does exactly what you describe due to the protection circuit. Unplug the unit, wait about a minute, and plug it back in again, and it should work. If that doesn't do it, shoot me another email. I had the unit hooked up just 2 days before I put it on ebay, and it worked just fine. I bought the item as a store demo, and it's been in my smoke-free, air-conditioned home ever since. I didn't notice any rust, but I understand that, as a buyer, you would inspect the unit perhaps even more thoroughly than I did. Contact me as soon as you try the "re-boot" I mentioned above, and let me know what the results are.

[Shim]

After reading that I tested some more and unfortunately had to reply:

After many attempts yesterday it never came on. I tried a few more times after reading your reply and it finally turned on when I hit the power button. I then tested further and connected a cd player and speakers. When I plugged it in my fios set top box shut itself off. It was on the same circuit I plugged the receiver into. At the same time I heard a surge of power to the speakers although the unit was still turned off. After 3 attempts it finally turned on when I hit the power button. I then tested a cd. At first there was no left channel then when it did finally come through I tested the balance and tone control. When I increased the treble it sent a high pitched squeal through my speakers and has blown either a woofer or crossover component.
This unit has numerous electrical issues and is not safe to use nor to connect to anything else.
Under these conditions I must request a refund and return the unit.