Hi,
I have a Micromega Stage 2 CD player which has developed a fault in that the power transformer (part# DT 18415-6) has developed a loud buzz/hum after a few minutes use. The unit still plays without issue (after regreasing the mech` and fitting a new belt).
Does anyone know where a replacement may be located ? I`ve tried contacting Micromega directly but without response or does anyone have a scrap/parts Stage 1 or 2 which could be used ?
It would be a shame to have to retire my 2 as it makes wonderful music (imho) and, to my ears, sounds superior to my previous Quad and Meridian players.
Many thanks,
David.
I have a Micromega Stage 2 CD player which has developed a fault in that the power transformer (part# DT 18415-6) has developed a loud buzz/hum after a few minutes use. The unit still plays without issue (after regreasing the mech` and fitting a new belt).
Does anyone know where a replacement may be located ? I`ve tried contacting Micromega directly but without response or does anyone have a scrap/parts Stage 1 or 2 which could be used ?
It would be a shame to have to retire my 2 as it makes wonderful music (imho) and, to my ears, sounds superior to my previous Quad and Meridian players.
Many thanks,
David.
Buzzing was sadly a trait of the block transformers used in the Micromega. I had (still have but not currently used) a Stage 2 and buzzing on that could be a little noticeable at times.
One thing I never tried was to see if a DC blocker on the mains has any effect. If you find the transformer is quiet sometimes and not at others then it might be worth a try but no guarantees of course.
You could also try low value resistors (suitably rated and suitably housed for safety) to slightly reduce the mains as seen at the player. Perhaps 22ohm 3watt at a guess as a first try. In normal use the dissipation would be very low but it needs to cope with initial surges.
These were a wonderful machine and its worth trying a few things... but safely 🙂
The transformer itself would be impossible to substitute as an off the shelf direct replacement as it has twin dual windings and also a separate winding for the display as I recall. So eight secondary terminations in all.
Another test is to see if it is worse when the mains might be right at the top end of its voltage range (so 253 volts).
One thing I never tried was to see if a DC blocker on the mains has any effect. If you find the transformer is quiet sometimes and not at others then it might be worth a try but no guarantees of course.
You could also try low value resistors (suitably rated and suitably housed for safety) to slightly reduce the mains as seen at the player. Perhaps 22ohm 3watt at a guess as a first try. In normal use the dissipation would be very low but it needs to cope with initial surges.
These were a wonderful machine and its worth trying a few things... but safely 🙂
The transformer itself would be impossible to substitute as an off the shelf direct replacement as it has twin dual windings and also a separate winding for the display as I recall. So eight secondary terminations in all.
Another test is to see if it is worse when the mains might be right at the top end of its voltage range (so 253 volts).
Hi Mooly,
Thankyou for your suggestions of trying a DC blocker or resistor dropper, there have been threads on several forums where this has been attempted with only marginal success. Someone connected their MM via a variac to run at 200v but the dreaded buzz returned eventually, while another fitted a DC blocker but the problem persisted.
My mains voltage is relatively low for the UK at 235v, but fear that once a tx starts to buzz the fault is permanent.
As I understand the original MM Stage 1/2/3 power supplies were designed to operate on European 220v so combined with age and a UK mains supply usually above 240v the tx` fail and begin to buzz as the lamination adhesive becomes brittle. The sound from my Stage 2 can be heard from around 18 inches away so isn`t too noticeable from my listening position and it plays perfectly so is still ok to use but will presumably only get louder.
Do you know if the tx is a Schaffner type (the stage 3 uses 2 TES1034 Schaffners in its DAC) ? I can find no information on the part number listed on the main power supply tx.
Due to the high number of early MM Stages with now failed and obsolete laser mechanisms surely there has to be some non-buzzing transformers looking for a new home to extend the life of a wonderful sounding CD player. 😀
p.s Just seen the reply advising Farnell have block transformers available but as "Mooly" said the one used by MM are quite complex and aren`t easily substituted.
Thankyou for your suggestions of trying a DC blocker or resistor dropper, there have been threads on several forums where this has been attempted with only marginal success. Someone connected their MM via a variac to run at 200v but the dreaded buzz returned eventually, while another fitted a DC blocker but the problem persisted.
My mains voltage is relatively low for the UK at 235v, but fear that once a tx starts to buzz the fault is permanent.
As I understand the original MM Stage 1/2/3 power supplies were designed to operate on European 220v so combined with age and a UK mains supply usually above 240v the tx` fail and begin to buzz as the lamination adhesive becomes brittle. The sound from my Stage 2 can be heard from around 18 inches away so isn`t too noticeable from my listening position and it plays perfectly so is still ok to use but will presumably only get louder.
Do you know if the tx is a Schaffner type (the stage 3 uses 2 TES1034 Schaffners in its DAC) ? I can find no information on the part number listed on the main power supply tx.
Due to the high number of early MM Stages with now failed and obsolete laser mechanisms surely there has to be some non-buzzing transformers looking for a new home to extend the life of a wonderful sounding CD player. 😀
p.s Just seen the reply advising Farnell have block transformers available but as "Mooly" said the one used by MM are quite complex and aren`t easily substituted.
