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Electronics Repair (sci.electronics.repair) Discussion of repairing electronic equipment. Topics include requests for assistance, where to obtain servicing information and parts, techniques for diagnosis and repair, and annecdotes about success, failures and problems. |
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#1
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Home audio amplifier failure
First, this is my first entry into this group. I ran a NG search for this
problem, and the result(s) indicated here. Sorry, if that was wrong. I have an Onkyo home audio component system. The amplifier in this system(Onkyo A-RV401) has flamed out, as least I'm pretty sure it's the amplifier. Next, I'm not an electronics guy. I'm just looking for a little seasoned advice. The system no longer produces any sound, no tuner, tape, CD, headphones, nothing. However, I can crank up the volume to full, and faintly hear the audio. As usual, this worked fine one day, and failed the next. It appears that this component can be replaced with something like, for around $400-600. It also appears that current models have the tuner/amplifier integrated into a single unit, where the existing unit(s) are separate. It's my opinion(only opinion) that replacement should be the choice, rather than a repair attempt. Comments? Thanks, for the help. Gary |
#2
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Gary wrote:
First, this is my first entry into this group. I ran a NG search for this problem, and the result(s) indicated here. Sorry, if that was wrong. I have an Onkyo home audio component system. The amplifier in this system(Onkyo A-RV401) has flamed out, as least I'm pretty sure it's the amplifier. Next, I'm not an electronics guy. I'm just looking for a little seasoned advice. The system no longer produces any sound, no tuner, tape, CD, headphones, nothing. However, I can crank up the volume to full, and faintly hear the audio. As usual, this worked fine one day, and failed the next. It appears that this component can be replaced with something like, for around $400-600. It also appears that current models have the tuner/amplifier integrated into a single unit, where the existing unit(s) are separate. It's my opinion(only opinion) that replacement should be the choice, rather than a repair attempt. Comments? Thanks, for the help. Gary Used amps in good condition can often be found at a small fraction of the price of new. Remember - you were happy with your (used -- by you) amp until it broke, so why not consider a good used (by somebody else) amp? There are lots of people who regularly "trade up" whether they can hear the difference or not -- it's a form of self-flattery. That puts some pretty good equipment on the market cheap. -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . |
#3
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"CJT" wrote in message ... Gary wrote: First, this is my first entry into this group. I ran a NG search for this problem, and the result(s) indicated here. Sorry, if that was wrong. I have an Onkyo home audio component system. The amplifier in this system(Onkyo A-RV401) has flamed out, as least I'm pretty sure it's the amplifier. Next, I'm not an electronics guy. I'm just looking for a little seasoned advice. The system no longer produces any sound, no tuner, tape, CD, headphones, nothing. However, I can crank up the volume to full, and faintly hear the audio. As usual, this worked fine one day, and failed the next. It appears that this component can be replaced with something like, for around $400-600. It also appears that current models have the tuner/amplifier integrated into a single unit, where the existing unit(s) are separate. It's my opinion(only opinion) that replacement should be the choice, rather than a repair attempt. Comments? Thanks, for the help. Gary Used amps in good condition can often be found at a small fraction of the price of new. Remember - you were happy with your (used -- by you) amp until it broke, so why not consider a good used (by somebody else) amp? There are lots of people who regularly "trade up" whether they can hear the difference or not -- it's a form of self-flattery. That puts some pretty good equipment on the market cheap. Yes, you are quite right. And, I often criticize those for making a brand switch under the light of comparison of a bright shiny new model vs. retention of the current brand. Although I wasn't really looking specifically to change brands, I was looking at everything available. Things like this change/evolve so quickly, it's easy for me to get behind. Regarding the used/trade-in issue, I hadn't really given that any thought. It is a good suggestion. But, for some- one like me, with minimal ability to detect potential problems in electronic equipment, I'd prefer new. Also, unless possibly a high end audio outlet, I've have no idea where to find used equipment as this. I guess the pawnshop is certainly an option, but I'd think one would need considerable more savvy than me. Thanks, Gary -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . |
#4
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"Gary" wrote in message . .. First, this is my first entry into this group. I ran a NG search for this problem, and the result(s) indicated here. Sorry, if that was wrong. I have an Onkyo home audio component system. The amplifier in this system(Onkyo A-RV401) has flamed out, as least I'm pretty sure it's the amplifier. Next, I'm not an electronics guy. I'm just looking for a little seasoned advice. The system no longer produces any sound, no tuner, tape, CD, headphones, nothing. However, I can crank up the volume to full, and faintly hear the audio. As usual, this worked fine one day, and failed the next. It appears that this component can be replaced with something like, for around $400-600. It also appears that current models have the tuner/amplifier integrated into a single unit, where the existing unit(s) are separate. It's my opinion(only opinion) that replacement should be the choice, rather than a repair attempt. Comments? Thanks, for the help. Gary find a repair shop and have it fixed... should cost $75 to $100 for repair |
#5
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"TimPerry" wrote in message ... "Gary" wrote in message . .. First, this is my first entry into this group. I ran a NG search for this problem, and the result(s) indicated here. Sorry, if that was wrong. I have an Onkyo home audio component system. The amplifier in this system(Onkyo A-RV401) has flamed out, as least I'm pretty sure it's the amplifier. Next, I'm not an electronics guy. I'm just looking for a little seasoned advice. The system no longer produces any sound, no tuner, tape, CD, headphones, nothing. However, I can crank up the volume to full, and faintly hear the audio. As usual, this worked fine one day, and failed the next. It appears that this component can be replaced with something like, for around $400-600. It also appears that current models have the tuner/amplifier integrated into a single unit, where the existing unit(s) are separate. It's my opinion(only opinion) that replacement should be the choice, rather than a repair attempt. Comments? Thanks, for the help. Gary find a repair shop and have it fixed... should cost $75 to $100 for repair I will check into it. I do have a friend who repairs guitar amplifiers. Not that I would try to cop a free repair, just that I would trust him. But, I thought that one could easily exceed the unit value by attempting repair. Thanks, Gary |
#6
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However, I can crank up the volume to full, and faintly hear the audio Sounds like maybe the tape monitor is engaged. Maybe nothing wrong worth the amp. Even if the amp does have a problem, the A-RV401 is a nice model, worth repair. Mark Z. |
#7
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"Mark D. Zacharias" wrote in message .. . However, I can crank up the volume to full, and faintly hear the audio Sounds like maybe the tape monitor is engaged. Maybe nothing wrong worth the amp. Even if the amp does have a problem, the A-RV401 is a nice model, worth repair. Mark Z. I understand your comment, but although I have engaged all the input sources at one time or another, the faint audio can be detected as from the source intended. Yes. it has been a great unit. It was suggested earlier that repair might be worth looking into, which I will. I'd hate to just throw the whole thing away due to something small. Thanks, Gary |
#8
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"Gary Walker" wrote in message .. . "Mark D. Zacharias" wrote in message .. . However, I can crank up the volume to full, and faintly hear the audio Sounds like maybe the tape monitor is engaged. Maybe nothing wrong worth the amp. Even if the amp does have a problem, the A-RV401 is a nice model, worth repair. Mark Z. I understand your comment, but although I have engaged all the input sources at one time or another, the faint audio can be detected as from the source intended. Yes. it has been a great unit. It was suggested earlier that repair might be worth looking into, which I will. I'd hate to just throw the whole thing away due to something small. Thanks, Gary Then perhaps a failure of the regulated power supply area. You'd hear nothing at all if the main amp was blown or if there were a large DC offset. Could be one or more open resistors feeding voltage regulator(s) in the power supply. Fairly common problem on similar model Onkyo receivers, though I've only worked on one or two amps like yours, and it's been a while. Mark Z. Mark Z. |
#9
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Mark D. Zacharias wrote:
However, I can crank up the volume to full, and faintly hear the audio Sounds like maybe the tape monitor is engaged. Maybe nothing wrong worth the amp. Even if the amp does have a problem, the A-RV401 is a nice model, worth repair. Mark Z. Just a thought, but it hasn`t got those linking plugs or jumpers between the preamp and power amps has it? have they been removed, or has some other piece of kit been disconnected? Ron -- Lune Valley Audio Public address system Hire, Sales, Repairs www.lunevalleyaudio.com |
#10
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"Ron(UK)" wrote in message ... Mark D. Zacharias wrote: However, I can crank up the volume to full, and faintly hear the audio Sounds like maybe the tape monitor is engaged. Maybe nothing wrong worth the amp. Even if the amp does have a problem, the A-RV401 is a nice model, worth repair. Mark Z. Just a thought, but it hasn`t got those linking plugs or jumpers between the preamp and power amps has it? have they been removed, or has some other piece of kit been disconnected? Ron -- Lune Valley Audio Public address system Hire, Sales, Repairs www.lunevalleyaudio.com Unfortunately, I don't fully understand "linking plugs", and never really have fully understood "preamp" vs. "power amp". But, I can say this: The system(components:tuner, amplifier, headphones) were in use the previous evening ~22:30-23:30, with- out sign of failure. This system has been used daily for 10 years. Proceeding to use the system during the subsequent day and, no audio.... I guess something could have wiggled loose, but since I can get this faint audio, and I have done a cursory "reset" of all rear panel attach- ments, I just assume it's gone. Although this system is only used for 1-2 hour periods at a time, it will sometimes remain on for 24 hour periods. Although not electronically oriented myself, I have to assume these things have a MTBF. I guess after 10 years of flawless service, my number's up. Additionally, the components are positioned in a very dusty area, and haven't been cleaned since new. Actually, it's no more dusty that any other room, but due to lack of cleaning, it appears very dusty. IOW. The whole thing is located in a music room, with other instruments and junk(need I say more?). Thanks, Gary |
#11
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"Gary" wrote in message . .. It appears that this component can be replaced with something like, for around $400-600. It also appears that current models have the tuner/amplifier integrated into a single unit, where the existing unit(s) are separate. It's my opinion(only opinion) that replacement should be the choice, rather than a repair attempt. Perfectly serviceable but it's your choice. I even see them in thrifts, the only problem being testing them there. N |
#12
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"NSM" wrote in message news:VacCe.135948$tt5.107243@edtnps90... "Gary" wrote in message . .. It appears that this component can be replaced with something like, for around $400-600. It also appears that current models have the tuner/amplifier integrated into a single unit, where the existing unit(s) are separate. It's my opinion(only opinion) that replacement should be the choice, rather than a repair attempt. Perfectly serviceable but it's your choice. I even see them in thrifts, the only problem being testing them there. N That's my take on the whole thing. But, I will take this, and the other suggestions into consideration. Problem is, I don't know an RF from a DSP, and unless I find someone I can trust, my scrutiny is suspect. Thanks, Gary |
#13
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On Sat, 16 Jul 2005 17:06:05 GMT "Gary" wrote:
I have an Onkyo home audio component system. The amplifier in this system(Onkyo A-RV401) has flamed out, as least I'm pretty sure it's the amplifier. The system no longer produces any sound, no tuner, tape, CD, headphones, nothing. However, I can crank up the volume to full, and faintly hear the audio. As usual, this worked fine one day, and failed the next. It appears that this component can be replaced with something like, for around $400-600. It also appears that current models have the tuner/amplifier integrated into a single unit, where the existing unit(s) are separate. Separate units like yours are generally easier to fix than integrated units, so this helps. I don't know anything about your model, but my first inclination would be to see if it can be fixed. These items generally are fixable and for much less money than the replacement cost you mention. The fact that both channels both seem to have died at the same time makes this seem like it might be a simple problem. It might pay to get your friend over there just to check out the system and the switch settings (like the tape monitor that Mark mentioned.) I agree completely with your other posts that it would all depend on finding someone you think you can trust to take a look at it. - ----------------------------------------------- Jim Adney Madison, WI 53711 USA ----------------------------------------------- |
#14
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"Jim Adney" wrote in message ... On Sat, 16 Jul 2005 17:06:05 GMT "Gary" wrote: I have an Onkyo home audio component system. The amplifier in this system(Onkyo A-RV401) has flamed out, as least I'm pretty sure it's the amplifier. The system no longer produces any sound, no tuner, tape, CD, headphones, nothing. However, I can crank up the volume to full, and faintly hear the audio. As usual, this worked fine one day, and failed the next. It appears that this component can be replaced with something like, for around $400-600. It also appears that current models have the tuner/amplifier integrated into a single unit, where the existing unit(s) are separate. Separate units like yours are generally easier to fix than integrated units, so this helps. I don't know anything about your model, but my first inclination would be to see if it can be fixed. These items generally are fixable and for much less money than the replacement cost you mention. The fact that both channels both seem to have died at the same time makes this seem like it might be a simple problem. It might pay to get your friend over there just to check out the system and the switch settings (like the tape monitor that Mark mentioned.) I agree completely with your other posts that it would all depend on finding someone you think you can trust to take a look at it. - ----------------------------------------------- Jim Adney Madison, WI 53711 USA ----------------------------------------------- Thanks. I am weaning off the unit for these last few days. That'll make my diagnosis more thorough. Gary |
#15
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Jim Adney wrote:
On Sat, 16 Jul 2005 17:06:05 GMT "Gary" wrote: I have an Onkyo home audio component system. The amplifier in this system(Onkyo A-RV401) has flamed out, as least I'm pretty sure it's the amplifier. The system no longer produces any sound, no tuner, tape, CD, headphones, nothing. However, I can crank up the volume to full, and faintly hear the audio. As usual, this worked fine one day, and failed the next. It appears that this component can be replaced with something like, for around $400-600. It also appears that current models have the tuner/amplifier integrated into a single unit, where the existing unit(s) are separate. Separate units like yours are generally easier to fix than integrated units, so this helps. I don't know anything about your model, but my first inclination would be to see if it can be fixed. These items generally are fixable and for much less money than the replacement cost you mention. The fact that both channels both seem to have died at the same time makes this seem like it might be a simple problem. That's a good point. It suggests some problem with a section that's common to both channels -- like a power supply. It might pay to get your friend over there just to check out the system and the switch settings (like the tape monitor that Mark mentioned.) I agree completely with your other posts that it would all depend on finding someone you think you can trust to take a look at it. - ----------------------------------------------- Jim Adney Madison, WI 53711 USA ----------------------------------------------- -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . |
#16
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Well, to everyone here following the saga of this thread,
the Onkyo amplifier muting problem now seems solved. Many details exist, but basically I got the rc transmitter from the original plastic bag, dug up some AA batteries, re-plugged the components rc cables, and started push- ing buttons. Not really much happened at first. Interestingly, the amp has a huge volume knob right in the middle of the front panel. Testing the rc volume +/- activates some kind of small motor that actually advances/retards the knob. g But, on to the real problem. I couldn't even find the muting button on the rc unit at first. Unlike the other buttons, it's printed in red on the black background. Being color blind I had to resort to one of those lighted magnifiers made for old people. g Pushing the mute button did easily disable the status on the amp's display. However, power cycling the amp, seems to guarantee initialization in mute mode. But, now that I can disable this, that's ok. Again, I now have the full amplificaton restored. Thanks again, to everyone that forced me to explore all possibilities. I held little optimism for this last diagnosis, but I was certainly proven wrong. Thanks, Gary |
#17
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"Gary Walker" wrote in message . .. However, power cycling the amp, seems to guarantee initialization in mute mode. But, now that I can disable this, that's ok. Again, I now have the full amplificaton restored. That's a weird one, but motorized controls are going back some. N |
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