The Geek Forum
Main Forums => Hardware, Software, and Other Imperialist Crap => Topic started by: Joe Sixpack on January 11, 2008, 10:47:12 PM
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You guys might not know this, but I am a veritable magnet for 20+ year old analog stereo gear. Somehow the stuff just finds me.
I just picked up a 5U Soundesign receiver. The "wooden" cabinet part has a little water damage in the bottom, but all of the metal and electronics seem perfect. Perfect, that is, except that the left channel on A or B speakers gives nothing but a 60hz hum. Putting the same speaker on the other right channel works fine, so I know it's not the speaker. I also plugged something into one of the aux inputs and it still occurred, so I know it's not specific to the tuner. I pulled it out and the only thing I can see that is common to all of the left channels is a ground wire, and I don't see any breaks, cracked solder, or anything like that.
Anyone got any ideas? Porcupine Tree just isn't the same in mono.
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Well, I'm no expert, but the left channel appears to be broked.
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Yes, yes, I must concur.
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About 10 years ago, I scored a vintage Harmon Kardon tube HI-FI at an estate sale for $10. "Estate Sale" in this case meaning a huge pile of filthy junk. The unit was in two pieces -- receiver and amp -- and only the face plates were left of the cases. The damn thing worked, but had a hum and every pot crackled horribly when used. I tried to clean it up, but the tubes and wires had baked-on ratshit that was hard as concrete. I began pricing replacement tubes and pots, and realized it would cost me hundreds to restore it. I put it in the trash one bright, crisp winter morning and never looked back.
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Also, until recently, I had a Fender twin amp reverb through which I enjoyed emitting an ultra-cool surf sound. It had twin inputs, but only one input worked. I tested every wire and determined that the problem was in the electronics. It would probably have cost me a couple hundred bucks to have someone fix it. I gave it away because the days of me making really loud noises for neighbors to enjoy are over.
I have a pinball machine made in the 80s. I have replaced, over time, almost every circuit board in the thing. Now another one, the one that controls the score LEDs, is broked, making it unplayable. I looked for a replacement, but haven't had any luck. Also, it keeps blowing out fuses, even though I've replaced the power board 3 times.
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In my dotterage, I have come to like things that work over those that don't.
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Well of course the problem is in the "electronics".
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Ya, I mean as opposed to those bits of wire. I grok wires.
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I put it in the trash one bright, crisp winter morning and never looked back.
Unless it really means a lot to you, and/or you're somewhat of an electronics tech; I'd ivanize it, too. Sounds like you've troubleshot it down to 'electronics' in the amplifier section of the reciever. The only other thing I'd try is some electro-wash on all the pots and buttons; they can be some noisy little fuckers. It sounds like it's probably a transformer in the amplifier's output section, though. If it's a consumer-grade reciever, you're probably out of luck. You can replace components, of course; but that'd be like putting new titties on Grandma. I'd suggest ivan's Electronic Component Storage Facility.
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What kind of geek are you.
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If you aren't going to fix it you should blow it up.
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Or keep the cabinet and put an iPod in it and rig the knobs so that they control the iPod.
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Or keep the cabinet and put an iPod in it and rig the knobs so that they control the iPod.
That would be soooo nice. Don't forget the upload USB!