So ! It does it with both tuners on all inputs ( tuners are fine with all other amps ) it doesn’t do it with my node in all inputs
Morning gents , had a thought overnight and changed the posh power cable this morning and the issue has gone ! Or is it coincidence I’m thinking.
It’s now sounding very good too .
It’s now sounding very good too .
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Well I had the amp running now for 1.5 hours without any issues since changing the power cable! Bloody odd I know and I can’t explain it .
Doing it again this morning 😞
It’s volume dependent, doing it at very low volume levels ( ie 7pm on the volume knob if 6pm is zero ) it goes at around 8pm
It’s volume dependent, doing it at very low volume levels ( ie 7pm on the volume knob if 6pm is zero ) it goes at around 8pm
First may make a simply test: clean the RCA connectors of both the device(s) and the cable(s).
Personally, I have been using a non-conductive oil of a certain brand for decades that has often solved similar problems.
You can use anything else.
If the cable connectors have the central pin with a rive, then enlarge slightly it with a screwdriver.
All the above will cost you nothing.
Personally, I have been using a non-conductive oil of a certain brand for decades that has often solved similar problems.
You can use anything else.
If the cable connectors have the central pin with a rive, then enlarge slightly it with a screwdriver.
All the above will cost you nothing.
I would replace the orange speaker relays.
Distortion and signal cut out on low volume is a typical result of bad relays.
Distortion and signal cut out on low volume is a typical result of bad relays.
At this point it would be more plausible if it were a signal relays since with the input #1 the issue seems to disappear.
However when I saw that plastic block of RCA sockets I thought that I would check not only its cleaning, but also its internal contacts.
Just my view before to possibly replace the signal relays, which is quite demanding.
However when I saw that plastic block of RCA sockets I thought that I would check not only its cleaning, but also its internal contacts.
Just my view before to possibly replace the signal relays, which is quite demanding.
I can confirm that it does occur on all line inputs ( only at very low volume levels) , I haven’t completely done the recap yet ( there are 60 caps ! ) So could it be a capacitor issue I wonder.
No apology necessary, it was my mistake, I thought it worked but I was listening to that source with the volume at higher levels, though I also think that the output levels are higher from my Bluesound node than they are from my tuners .
I think if it’s the relays then I’ll have choice but to try and take them apart very carefully and clean them .
I think if it’s the relays then I’ll have choice but to try and take them apart very carefully and clean them .
I find it quite funny that out of all the amps I’ve owned over the years ( too many to remember) I’ve only ever had issues with 2 of them ! This allegedly high end Restek and the other was an Accuphase .
As said earlier: exclusive stuff or pseudo exclusive stuff is often less reliable than mass produced stuff.
You could try to do the scary bit: measuring. You'll need a sinus generator and a DMM or better: an oscilloscope. You can also follow advice and report back if the action makes a difference like the suggestions to pull and reseat the connectors. Techs that have experience and give you suggestions need feedback for optimal fault finding. It is a concept. Pin pointing is the better way of solving issues as it is an exact method and not a guess game.
You keep mentioning taking apart the relays. This is absolutely silly and impossible as these are (read: should be) sealed relays so opening them is destructive and if you succeed they won't be sealed anymore. Using them will then be of short pleasure as non sealed relays attract dust, dirt etc. Your choice is to replace them for better/known quality sealed telecom relays with gold contacts and the same coil voltage. These are available from many brands and the form factor is about as standard as standard can be. I have rails full of these but not in 12V I think.
So:
- measure with a sinus signal and see if the level of L and R are the same level at the volume control. If not the source selection is the cause (caps, relays, connectors whatever). If they are the same then measure the output voltage when using a dummy load. You'll quickly learn if the loudspeaker relay is to blame.
- find out what replacement sealed relays there are in the telecom form factor with 12V coils and gold contacts. Compare specifications like minimum contact current, contact materials/alloys and prices. Narrow choice to known good brands.
- Rough and raw method to exclude the speaker relay is to bridge the contacts temporarily with a single wire from stranded cable. You will experience plops at power on/off but when the channel differences are gone you'll know the relay has bad contacts.
You could try to do the scary bit: measuring. You'll need a sinus generator and a DMM or better: an oscilloscope. You can also follow advice and report back if the action makes a difference like the suggestions to pull and reseat the connectors. Techs that have experience and give you suggestions need feedback for optimal fault finding. It is a concept. Pin pointing is the better way of solving issues as it is an exact method and not a guess game.
You keep mentioning taking apart the relays. This is absolutely silly and impossible as these are (read: should be) sealed relays so opening them is destructive and if you succeed they won't be sealed anymore. Using them will then be of short pleasure as non sealed relays attract dust, dirt etc. Your choice is to replace them for better/known quality sealed telecom relays with gold contacts and the same coil voltage. These are available from many brands and the form factor is about as standard as standard can be. I have rails full of these but not in 12V I think.
So:
- measure with a sinus signal and see if the level of L and R are the same level at the volume control. If not the source selection is the cause (caps, relays, connectors whatever). If they are the same then measure the output voltage when using a dummy load. You'll quickly learn if the loudspeaker relay is to blame.
- find out what replacement sealed relays there are in the telecom form factor with 12V coils and gold contacts. Compare specifications like minimum contact current, contact materials/alloys and prices. Narrow choice to known good brands.
- Rough and raw method to exclude the speaker relay is to bridge the contacts temporarily with a single wire from stranded cable. You will experience plops at power on/off but when the channel differences are gone you'll know the relay has bad contacts.
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Loudspeakers (orange) relay, original spare part
https://www.distrelec.biz/en/2mmfb-asy-024-sig-hdr-row-sl-barrier-te-connectivity-223532/p/30339810
https://www.onlinecomponents.com/en/te-connectivity-amp-brand/2235321-10321307.html
https://www.te.com/usa-en/product-223532-1.html
https://www.eurotech.co.uk/product-detail.php?part1=ZD222-024&man=TE+CONNECT