Need help diagnosing a problem with my guitar amp

skamanic · 14th February 2011, 05:04 AM

I have a Kustom Quad 100DFX, 2 channel, solid state, combo amp...
When I play on my rhythm channel is sounds... distorted... heavily and not because of my settings. It crackles and will occasionally pop. I am sure that a speaker is not blown. But it almost has that sound.

The lead channel works fine.

What do I do in means of finding out the problem? Tools i'll need? I can't find diagrams either... Kustom says they only send it to certified dealers andservice men

this has been a problem for almost 5 years now and I'm starting to get pretty bummed hahaha. I'm just starting my endeavor into electronics and learn the theory but I'm fairly intuitive and learn fast.
Thanks for your help. It is greatly appreciated

bob91343 · 14th February 2011, 06:34 AM

My guess is that it's a bit over your head. If I were working on such a beast I'd try to trace the circuit or at least get the feel for the signal path. Then with my oscilloscope look for a circuit with clean input but distorted output.

From your description I'd guess the problem is in the input stage for the 'rhythm' channel so it's in the low level circuitry. Possibly a bad IC (if it has them) or something with the power to it.

If you lived in Southern California I'd look at it for you.

skamanic · 14th February 2011, 07:26 AM

Just a little over, but I've been teaching myself basics.
Great, I really appreciate the suggestion, and your intentions(despite I live 2 states above you), and will look into them

14th February 2011, 05:04 AM	#1
skamanic diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2011	Need help diagnosing a problem with my guitar amp I have a Kustom Quad 100DFX, 2 channel, solid state, combo amp... When I play on my rhythm channel is sounds... distorted... heavily and not because of my settings. It crackles and will occasionally pop. I am sure that a speaker is not blown. But it almost has that sound. The lead channel works fine. What do I do in means of finding out the problem? Tools i'll need? I can't find diagrams either... Kustom says they only send it to certified dealers andservice men this has been a problem for almost 5 years now and I'm starting to get pretty bummed hahaha. I'm just starting my endeavor into electronics and learn the theory but I'm fairly intuitive and learn fast. Thanks for your help. It is greatly appreciated

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
Help diagnosing an amplifier problem (pulsating electrical)	strakele	Car Audio	1	11th January 2010 01:37 PM
Quad esl63 problem diagnosing.	graeme uk	Planars & Exotics	10	17th December 2009 05:44 PM
Diagnosing heat-related problem with amp	valterdaw	Car Audio	3	9th May 2007 03:16 AM
Problem with LM3886 guitar amp???	Minion	Chip Amps	4	2nd November 2006 04:39 PM
Newbie Question: Need help diagnosing a problem, tubes on, music fades out quickly	AndrewTosh	Tubes / Valves	4	1st September 2004 12:09 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

14th February 2011, 06:34 AM	#2
bob91343 diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2010	My guess is that it's a bit over your head. If I were working on such a beast I'd try to trace the circuit or at least get the feel for the signal path. Then with my oscilloscope look for a circuit with clean input but distorted output. From your description I'd guess the problem is in the input stage for the 'rhythm' channel so it's in the low level circuitry. Possibly a bad IC (if it has them) or something with the power to it. If you lived in Southern California I'd look at it for you.

14th February 2011, 07:26 AM	#3
skamanic diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2011	Just a little over, but I've been teaching myself basics. Great, I really appreciate the suggestion, and your intentions(despite I live 2 states above you), and will look into them

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