I’ve had two hifi amps and one guitar tube amp die on my in one year. The two stereo amps were vintage (audiolab 8000a and hh Scott 299b) so I accept a higher risk of failure, but my guitar amp is only three years old and built buy the most meticulous amp tech in my area. The Scott and the audiolab have both been recapped by well known techs fairly recently.
The only common denominator I can think of is they all failed while being used in the same outlet. Is it possible that an electrical fault in my homes wiring could be causing these issues? I know some outlets are not grounded properly but I’m not sure about this one.
The only common denominator I can think of is they all failed while being used in the same outlet. Is it possible that an electrical fault in my homes wiring could be causing these issues? I know some outlets are not grounded properly but I’m not sure about this one.
Transformers are 'killed' by intermittent mains supply. A loose connection in a power outlet socket will cause transformers to overheat and will be damaged in time.
Using too larger value of main smoothing capacitors will stress the transformer and coupled with intermittent supply, will quickly go short circuit.
Using too larger value of main smoothing capacitors will stress the transformer and coupled with intermittent supply, will quickly go short circuit.
Another common denominator is that they have all recently had 'tech' attention. All amp techs are confident in their own ability; only some of this confidence is well-placed.
Good to know Jon. I think I should have an electrician take a look.
I hear what you’re saying DF, but these techs are both authorized techs for some of the biggest brands in the business and have stellar reputations. I have complete confidence in their abilities.
I hear what you’re saying DF, but these techs are both authorized techs for some of the biggest brands in the business and have stellar reputations. I have complete confidence in their abilities.
I don’t know. My guitar amp is going to a tech this week and the others are just sitting until I get time to take them to the stereo amp guy who lives far from me.
All I can tell you is that the stereo tube amp and the guitar tube amp smelled bad when they failed and the audiolab seems to have had a protection circuit triggered. Works as a pre though.
Of course this could be coincidence.
All I can tell you is that the stereo tube amp and the guitar tube amp smelled bad when they failed and the audiolab seems to have had a protection circuit triggered. Works as a pre though.
Of course this could be coincidence.
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If they were worked on by two different people, it is more likely there is an external factor
causing the problems. You may be able to notice an AC power line problem by plugging in
an incandescent lamp and watching for fluctuations in the bulb's brightness.
Also check for correct line voltage with a DVM.
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You can also use a receptacle tester to check that it's wired properly. These will indicate things like open circuits and reversed wiring.
Reviews of the Best GFCI Receptacle Outlet Testers 2018-2019
Reviews of the Best GFCI Receptacle Outlet Testers 2018-2019
Many places where 120/240 volt services feed the home power have used the 3 wire feed from the MAINS PANEL (FUSE BOX) to feed several outlets. The COMMON WHITE WIRE (NETURAL) can come loose in one or more places and some of the outlets can get voltages of LOW (30-100)voltages to very HIGH (150-200) voltages. I had a VCR go up in smoke 40 years ago and found an open connection NETURAL CONNECTION in the bathroom.
Get an electrician to check and repair your problem. Don’t try to repair this yourself.
Get an electrician to check and repair your problem. Don’t try to repair this yourself.
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