Cambridge Audio A3i Integrated Amplifier

audio44 · 20th August 2008, 05:21 PM

I love the sound of this amp but unfortunately it has developed two large problems. First, the left channel has become distorted and is also emitting a whistling sound. Secondly, I am now getting no output from the phono stage on either channel. I am hoping these are repairs I can make myself or at least get the proper replacement parts. Thanks, David

Mooly · 21st August 2008, 11:44 AM

If you can post a circuit anything is possible. Those two faults sound a bit unrelated -- it's not been dropped or had spillage has it

jaycee · 21st August 2008, 03:41 PM

If you're lucky X-pro will notice - he designed the thing

audio44 · 25th August 2008, 10:56 PM

I am new to this forum and am in the eastern United States. I read about problems with the mute switch bit pushing the switch in and out has no effect on the aforementioned problem. I would like to know also if the 30 watt version the Mk3se has similar sound characteristics as the A3i as their is an inexpensive UK one in New York on sale. I also have never used a UK plug to US 100volt power converter. If I buy this other one is that conversion safe and if so, will the amp run cool enough. I would rather fix the one I have but I want to make sure it would be worth the time and expense. Advice on both amps appreciated. And btw phono stage is very important to me. TIA for your help/

Mooly · 26th August 2008, 07:14 AM

Hi,
Never heard the Cambridge amps so can't comment there. As for 110 to 230volt conversion. You mean a step up transformer ? Providing it's suitable rated I can't see any real problem providing the amp is fed with it's rated voltage -/+ 10% . Do the transformers in the amps themselves not have the option of selecting different taps to accomodate different voltages. That's a much better option, or even replacing the transformer.
As for fixing the amp -- if it has a genuine fault you may struggle by the sound of it-- you need to post a circuit here.

x-pro · 26th August 2008, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by audio44
I love the sound of this amp but unfortunately it has developed two large problems. First, the left channel has become distorted and is also emitting a whistling sound. Secondly, I am now getting no output from the phono stage on either channel. I am hoping these are repairs I can make myself or at least get the proper replacement parts. Thanks, David

Hi David,

I've sent an email to you - please reply and I'll provide you with a schematic diagram. There is also another thread I've started about A3i:

Cambridge Audio A3i repairs and mods

Cheers

Alex

20th August 2008, 05:21 PM	#1
audio44 diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2008	Cambridge Audio A3i Integrated Amplifier I love the sound of this amp but unfortunately it has developed two large problems. First, the left channel has become distorted and is also emitting a whistling sound. Secondly, I am now getting no output from the phono stage on either channel. I am hoping these are repairs I can make myself or at least get the proper replacement parts. Thanks, David

25th August 2008, 10:56 PM	#4
audio44 diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2008	re:Cambridge Audio A3i I am new to this forum and am in the eastern United States. I read about problems with the mute switch bit pushing the switch in and out has no effect on the aforementioned problem. I would like to know also if the 30 watt version the Mk3se has similar sound characteristics as the A3i as their is an inexpensive UK one in New York on sale. I also have never used a UK plug to US 100volt power converter. If I buy this other one is that conversion safe and if so, will the amp run cool enough. I would rather fix the one I have but I want to make sure it would be worth the time and expense. Advice on both amps appreciated. And btw phono stage is very important to me. TIA for your help/

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
My Cambridge Audio A5 Amplifier	holdenwright	Solid State	19	11th February 2011 06:27 PM
tweaking cambridge audio A5 integrated amp	quad99er	Solid State	0	12th July 2009 04:09 PM
Cambridge Audio A5 Amplifier Repair	cahillj	Solid State	1	20th April 2009 06:07 PM
Cambridge audio A5 integrated amplifier schematic	cahillj	Solid State	1	11th April 2009 01:54 AM
cambridge audio a3 i amplifier for sale	homertooties	Swap Meet	2	12th November 2006 06:13 PM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

21st August 2008, 11:44 AM	#2
Mooly diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2007	If you can post a circuit anything is possible. Those two faults sound a bit unrelated -- it's not been dropped or had spillage has it

21st August 2008, 03:41 PM	#3
jaycee diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Norwich, UK	If you're lucky X-pro will notice - he designed the thing

26th August 2008, 07:14 AM	#5
Mooly diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2007	Hi, Never heard the Cambridge amps so can't comment there. As for 110 to 230volt conversion. You mean a step up transformer ? Providing it's suitable rated I can't see any real problem providing the amp is fed with it's rated voltage -/+ 10% . Do the transformers in the amps themselves not have the option of selecting different taps to accomodate different voltages. That's a much better option, or even replacing the transformer. As for fixing the amp -- if it has a genuine fault you may struggle by the sound of it-- you need to post a circuit here.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)