Repair Rotel RX550?

mattmcl · 4th May 2009, 03:22 AM

I've got a Rotel RX550 solid state integrated amp, it's over 20 years old and has been by my side since then. When I turn the volume knob, it sounds scratchy, and sometimes one channel will drop out until I move the volume knob again. I'm wondering if I should try taking it apart and cleaning out the pot? Let's just say it was in a rather smoky environment in college...

I absolutely love this amp and would like to get it back to running well. The LED display gave out long ago, but I don't really care about that.

Rodmunch · 4th May 2009, 06:42 AM

You can try to clean the pot with a good electronics cleaning spray...there is a good one mentioned on this site but the name escapes me. Just don't use something like WD-40. I bought a can of cleaner/lube at Radio Shack that has worked ok in some instances. However, the pot's contact surfaces may be completely worn out by now, which means replacing the pot with a similar unit may be required.

Also, the amp probably uses fuse lamps, not LEDs. These are most likely very easy to replace. You just have to pull one out to figure out the values.

sakis · 4th May 2009, 07:48 AM

this unit is probably stressed quite hard ...... you might consider your shelf a recaping and also a few upgrades ...

take look at this you might find it usefull

vintage amplifier repair and upgrade manual

4th May 2009, 03:22 AM	#1
mattmcl diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2009	Repair Rotel RX550? I've got a Rotel RX550 solid state integrated amp, it's over 20 years old and has been by my side since then. When I turn the volume knob, it sounds scratchy, and sometimes one channel will drop out until I move the volume knob again. I'm wondering if I should try taking it apart and cleaning out the pot? Let's just say it was in a rather smoky environment in college... I absolutely love this amp and would like to get it back to running well. The LED display gave out long ago, but I don't really care about that.

4th May 2009, 07:48 AM	#3
sakis diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: nea makri athens greece	20 years in a school ??? this unit is probably stressed quite hard ...... you might consider your shelf a recaping and also a few upgrades ... take look at this you might find it usefull vintage amplifier repair and upgrade manual __________________ SERVICE ΙΑΠΩΝΙΚΩΝ ΜΗΧΑΝΗΜΑΤΩΝ ΗΧΟΥ www.eastelectronics.gr

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
Service Manual/ schematic for Rotel ROTEL RHCD-10 Michi CD player	Staykov	Digital Source	5	16th May 2012 12:24 AM
Rotel RX-830	awpagan	Solid State	11	17th March 2009 08:39 PM
Rotel RC-850 Pre Amp + Rotel RB-870BX	bleachershane	Analog Line Level	4	9th February 2009 11:20 AM
Rotel RA-921 Repair help. Its for a good cause	filholder	Solid State	5	13th April 2005 02:33 PM
Help - need to repair Rotel RCD 930ax	sanjivs	Digital Source	0	9th February 2004 10:09 AM

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

4th May 2009, 06:42 AM	#2
Rodmunch diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2008	You can try to clean the pot with a good electronics cleaning spray...there is a good one mentioned on this site but the name escapes me. Just don't use something like WD-40. I bought a can of cleaner/lube at Radio Shack that has worked ok in some instances. However, the pot's contact surfaces may be completely worn out by now, which means replacing the pot with a similar unit may be required. Also, the amp probably uses fuse lamps, not LEDs. These are most likely very easy to replace. You just have to pull one out to figure out the values.

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