intermittent amp problem (PM80SE)

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Marantz PM80SE.

Here's the problem: sometimes the right channel starts popping very loudly like suddenly DC appears on and disappears from the loudspeaker output. Then the speaker protection circuit kicks in and mutes the speakers for a few seconds.

Extra info:
- the problem can stay away for weeks and then return regularly;
- volume-setting has no effect on how loud the pops sound,
- selected source makes no difference;
- makes no difference if amp is warm or cold;
- class A or AB makes no difference.

Done so far:
- I resoldered every solder join;
- I soldered the PSU wires directly to PCB of the power amp (bypassing the flimsy looking connectors, one of which showed signs of sparks).

So far this has not solved the problem. And tracing the problem is very difficult because when it occurs, it's brief and it can take weeks to resurface... When the amp works, it works perfectly.

Anyone had similar problems???
 
jitter said:
Can you tell me more?
I like to be a little mysterious at first. ;)

Here's what I have:
The STK3102 is probably the cause. You could 'easily' swap them and see if the other channel misbehaves.

The TA7317P is known for frequent failure. Look for brown areas on the PCB and bad 1W resistors in the neighborhood.
This is only in case the relay fails to work.

/Hugo
 
Until I get a replacement STK3102, I can't swap. Like I said, there's only one STK module driving both channels (not one for each).

Would it be possible to increase the lifespan of the STK-module if I improve heat dissipation?

The relays can be operated, so the TA7317P should be fine.

Thanks for the info, and BTW, I bought this amp secondhand in Belgium more than six years ago...
 
jitter said:
Like I said, there's only one STK module driving both channels (not one for each).
My mistake...
Anyway, if you want to know for sure you'll have to replace it.
About lifespan: If the amp is always driven at full capacity, I would recommend bigger heatsinks. No need to change them for normal use IMO.

Here's the Philips part number for the STK3102 IV:
482220973453
Unfortunately, it will be hard to find.

/Hugo
 
Thanks again.

The STK-module is used as a pre-amp module in the PM80SE, the speakers are driven by eight BJTs (C3182N and A1265N). So forgive my ignorance, but how could amp load affect a pre-amplifier?

Pre-amp or not, the module gets pretty hot (too hot to touch) in normal operation despite the fact that there is a (small) heatsink.

Fibra - Brandt (Germany) has STK3102IVs in stock (www.fibra-brandt.com) at a very reasonable price.
 
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Hi Jitter,
Glad you found it. Do not heatsink the STK driver chips, some have a chip heater to stabilize them. Putting a heatsink on it would make it work harder. I've replaced several STK drivers for the same fault.

I had a Marantz int amp with the same fault. Darn thing was discrete and I never did find the fault. Same symptoms you had. Yup, resoldered, changed transistors and caps. No joy.

-Chris
 
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Hi Jitter,
Some STK front end chips had a heater to stabilise the DC offsets. This minimizes drift. I'd have to check which ones exactly and this may not apply to yours. Could be my Japanese contact applied a mis - term and meant that the chips were designed to reach a temperature higher than ambient (for the same reason). Since I'll never be able to read the spec sheet, I'll never know for sure.
You are right in that a heatsink in that circumstance would be counter productive. That was my point. Most manufacturers do not use a heatsink on these parts. I wonder if Marantz is pushing the envelope on supply voltages.
-Chris
 
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Hi jitter,
My data book for STK3102III gives figures of +/- 75 VDC as an abs. max, with a current draw of 20 - 30 mA at +/- 60 VDC. This means a device dissipation of 2.2 - 3.4 W approximately. The case temperature will greatly depend on the ambient temperature. Your DC offset looks like it is in the 20 - 30 mV range in the stock circuit for Sanyo.
The device is being used at the "target" conditions as specified by Sanyo, so the failure is not due to excessive stress, just normal factors. The failure rates have been higher with these than descrete circuits in my experience.
-Chris
 
Hi,

I have repaired 2 PM80 amps here in the Netherlands.
Both amps had a bad STK3102IV.

I noted that all the supply voltages were significant higher than posted in the schematics. This is maybe also the cause for STK failures due to the higher dissipation.

As a solution, after repair, I changed the voltage tab on the mains side of the transformer to 240V.
Now all the voltages were in range.

BTW, I also added a heatsink to the STK module, and it was real cool now. So I doubt that a heater is used inside.

Dick.
 
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Hi Dick,
I would tend to agree with you on this one. If a unit has a heater, it would draw more current as it warmed up. Certainly more with a heatsink attached.
We have high voltage situations in Canada sometimes. We don't have a 125V tap though.
Regards, Chris
 
Thank you for this extra info.

I changed the voltage tab on the mains side of the transformer to 240V.

The design of the PM80SE is heavily based on the PM80, but several components have been upgraded for better sound quality (power transformer now a shielded toroidal item, to name one). A factory-modified model, so to speak, albeit built from the ground up instead of modified afterwards. I don't know the PM80, but my PM80SE is designed for 230 V only. There's no tab to change the mains-voltage.

I think I´ll add a heatsink to the STK-module.

The failure rates have been higher with these than descrete circuits in my experience.

My brother very recently bought a PM7200KI, also a factory modified model. This model is directly comparable to the PM80SE. Its design seems to have a reverted to a discrete preamp-stage (from what I could see through the ventilation slits).

We don't have a 125V tap though.

Mainland Europe used to have 220 V and UK/Ireland 240 V. Gradually (in about 10 years or so) this has been evened out to 230 V for all countries. In the old days there usually was a 220V/240V tab. Not so anymore, and despite being 12 years old my amp was already designed to take 230 V
 
hello,
I have heard that STK3102IV is possible to replace with STK3102III and STK3152 but still dont know which suits better (lower THD) ...? Some differencies:

STK3102: THD=0,005% if Vcc=+/-50V, f=20kHz, Vo=28,3V
STK3152: THD=0,005% if Vcc=+/-60V, f=20kHz, Vo=34,6V

It seems that older Marantz models like PM80 are better sounding than similar new ones like PM8000, has anyone made a comparsion? jitter? :)

Also wondering if someone could send a copy of schematic of PM80SE or PM80...

Thanks
 
My PM80 is making a loud noise through both speakers at random and only does this when cold. If it is left on all the time it doesn't give me any problems. It is so loud that it kicks out all output for 10 secs. or so and them clicks back on. I'm suspecting the ST3102IV. I have sent an email to Fibra-Brandt to see if they can send one to the USA. Thanks for the info found here guys!
Charles
 
Philips FA-80 fixed by replacing the STK3102IV

Sorry to dredge up and old thread, but wanted to note that I have now besides fixing my Marantz PM-80SE with a new STK3102IV, I have now also fixed a Philips FA-80 (the same as a PM80 only and earlier model before they changed it to a Marantz branded model) with one as well. It had a weak and buzzy left channel but no loud popping. Needed nothing else and sounds great now. :D
Charles
 
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