I know what you mean. I buy broken electronics at garage sales, for
next too nothing and some free. It's great experience and finding
useable parts. I would rather repair a ten year old VCR, that would
last longer than todays brand new.
I don't have much experience with todays new electronics, but I am
sure they are pushed to the limits on tolerence.
I know these stereo's have protection circuits, if the circuit detects
a short, the power supply shuts down. which makes me think the main
power amp is shot. But also could be a shorted diode in the power
supply.
As many of these models that are on Ebay with power supply problems,
I thought somebody might of work on them.
If anyone says it's the main out amp, I will blow them off.
I have a Fisher stereo that I replaced the dual channel out amp in
1990. It has blown one channel again. The price in 90 was $11.00,
now they are $40.00 plus.
I am looking for something cheap for the garage.




On Mon, 02 Jan 2006 18:51:53 GMT, "William R. Walsh"
wrote:

Hi!

What do you think the chances are that the power supply failed or the
audio power amp shorted? What would be the chances of finding the
power out amp chip?

As others have mentioned, it is hard to say. You could buy them and you
might just get lucky...

However, it's a big chance to take. Even if you can fix what is wrong, the
parts may cost as much as you've got invested in the receiver.

You might also find working gear for less...I bought a Pioneer stereo
receiver (digitally tuned, four speaker plugs, lots of inputs) for about 50
cents. It had no cover and the old man selling it insisted that it didn't
work. At the time I thought the alphanumeric display might be interesting.

I've been using it for three years since then. It works well and plays
nicely. I've even found a remote control for it. Someday I might build a
wooden cover to replace the missing metal one (unless someone here might
have one...ST-277R is the model # IIRC). For now I am not too worried. The
unit is safely out of reach of anyone who might get inside it.

If you really insist on buying one or more of these broken units, I'd go for
the KLH. Insignia is a brand sold by Best Buy stores (in the US) and as such
is probably A) bargain basement cheap and B) impossible to find service
information for.

William