Troubleshooting a Cambridge A500

[Greghale3257]

Having gone through similar threads relating to this amp I don't believe I am replicating any previous thread... my apologies if I am...

to wit..
the amp is never normally turned off, neither is the P500 power amp, both are in a split configuration with Mordant Short wall mount & floor standers..
I've had this amp and set up since 1999 with no problems what so ever, I'm aware these amps can't take serious (hammer) and have never given them such...

now however this,

no power to amp, after all usual checks opened up to find fuse 1 & 2 blown along with C243 (leaked and showing flash burn),RV202 (melted),
amp1.jpg

also more flash smoke showing between C215 & C211.
amp2.jpg

Simply a few questions....
1/ am I looking at a totally b0rked board?
2/ any ideas as to what caused the cap to leak and fry innumerable components?
3/ do I have any realistic chance of repairing this board / amp

thanks for any help and advice

greg

[jaycee]

Cheap crappy capacitors! This is the bane of Cambridge Audio stuff - it is well designed, but made in China with the cheapest parts they can find.

Replace all of the power supply capacitors with a decent brand, such as Panasonic. Better still, replace ALL the electrolytics

RV202 melted probably means the SAP15 transistors for that channel are dead and require replacement, along with RV202 itself.

It's certainly repairable, but it's whether you'd consider it worth the money to repair.

[Greghale3257]

thanks for such a swift reply ...

the amp has a great sound, and holds considerable sentimental value too, so I would like to repair it if feasible...

could I have some advice on the best source for components?
RS can KMA as their prices are a joke....

thanks again...

greg

[jaycee]

For capacitors, Farnell, as they have a good range. The problem is the SAP transistors as they have been discontinued by Sanken. The recommended replacement is the STD03 devices, but these require an external 0.22R emitter resistor to be added.

Rapid do however seem to still stock SAP16 transistors, and these will work. Pity their range of electrolytics are poor.

edit: CPC might be better for capacitors and other parts, they are effectively part of Farnell and deal with smaller orders.