help wanted with amp repair

[karma67]

well just as i was happy with my set up the amp started to cause problems,it went off last night ,i opened her up and sure enough a fuse had blown,its 1 of 2 on a little circuit board near where the mains cable comes in.
i replaced the fuse today and it blows as soon as you push the power on button.
the amp is a sony ta-f 700es and id like to get it fixed if possible.
is there someome that can help me or know who i could take it too?
i have the wiring schematic if that helps.
regards.
j.

[hifi_dave]

Jez of Arkless Electronics resides here. He will do the job.

[karma67]

thanks mate,i really love this amp so hopefully it can be sorted.

[karma67]

bugger,looks like he's based up north :(

[hifi_dave]

Hopefully, he will contact you to help. You can send it to him.

[karma67]

cheers,whats his username on here? i'll send him a pm.

[struth]

Arkless electronics

I think[emoji3]

[karma67]

i was tempted to send it off untill i read this :(

http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?t=174778

[Gordon Steadman]

Alan (Firebottle) is an obvious alternative - if he's free and willing of course - bit he too is oop north a bit.

[karma67]

thanks,it appears it was the ditton 44 stack that done it :( i had them through speakers A+B which states on the back of the amp impedance 8-16 ohms,it's frustrating that theirs no one nearer to me.
oh well that's rock and roll :D

[walpurgis]

If the 44s were connected in parallel, they would be offering a nominal load of around 3 ohms (average), with likely dips to below that I dare say. With the wick turned up, you probably asked too much of the amp. I personally like using speakers with as high an impedance as I can get. Not always possible though, depending on what type of speaker one is after.

[Gordon Steadman]

If the 44s were connected in parallel, they would be offering a nominal load of around 3 ohms (average), with likely dips to below that I dare say. With the wick turned up, you probably asked too much of the amp. I personally like using speakers with as high an impedance as I can get. Not always possible though, depending on what type of speaker one is after.

Yeah, shutting the stable door and all that but if I'm running two sets, I always run them in series, even if the amp has provision for two pairs. Sorry Jamie:rolleyes:

[karma67]

with live and learn geoff,although it was not turned up at all. maybe its time for a change,i was thinking of going down the quad route,or maybe buying a stop gap amp,something like nad 3030 or rotel ra611. what do you think?

[karma67]

Yeah, shutting the stable door and all that but if I'm running two sets, I always run them in series, even if the amp has provision for two pairs. Sorry Jamie:rolleyes:
yep,its total ignorance on my part. i wont do that again!

[Gordon Steadman]

with live and learn geoff,although it was not turned up at all. maybe its time for a change,i was thinking of going down the quad route,or maybe buying a stop gap amp,something like nad 3030 or rotel ra611. what do you think?

Rotel 611. This is one I wish I had never sold in spite of the fact that it was my first Quad amp that replaced it. Not heard the NAD although I do have a 7020 receiver which has the 3020 amp section. Surprisingly good although you might miss the clarity of the Sony.

[walpurgis]

maybe its time for a change,i was thinking of going down the quad route,or maybe buying a stop gap amp,something like nad 3030 or rotel ra611. what do you think?

Quad amps are good. I don't use NAD, tried them. Overrated in my opinion. The Rotel RA-611 is nice but very old and only has 30 watts. It also has small spring terminals for the speakers that only accept thin cable. Find a cheap Denon PMA-350SE and you'll be very happy with what it can do with your speakers. I used another one (had several) not that long ago and was once again really surprised at how damn good it sounded. Plenty of punch too.

[karma67]

thanks Geoff,if it's like your klh recommendation im sure i'll be happy. :)

[DarrenHW]

thanks,it appears it was the ditton 44 stack that done it :( i had them through speakers A+B which states on the back of the amp impedance 8-16 ohms,it's frustrating that theirs no one nearer to me.
oh well that's rock and roll :D

Brilliant, unfortunate outcome, but I like the cut of your jib! For music I power my 44's with Quad 405's and really like the combo. I too think the PMA-350 would be a good match and excellent VFM, I have a PMA-250 and SL-PG490 in my kitchen system. The PMA-250 is a "punchy" amp (with good detail and transparency) and works well with the 44's. You could also look at a Nakamichi AVP-1, I have one for AV, it drives my 44's well and you could connect 7 x 44's if so inclined (and I would if I had the space):eek:. If looking at the Quad or Nak route (as I'm sure you know) you'd need a pre but this doesn't need to be expensive, you could knock up your own passive for very little, pick up a Tisbury (which works very well with the 405 & 44's) or a Croft. If your thinking of going down the 405 route and fancy trying a valve pre, I have one Duncan (Tubehunter) built for the Quad 405 going spare and cheap.

[PaulStewart]

Jamie,

If it's any help I'm in Richmond and I have a guy in Chiswick who does all my electronics if I don't have time, he is good. Also, Henry Dulat in Fetcham is a top class reliable engineer

[karma67]

thats great paul thanks,i have found a guy who can repair it, http://www.audiofix.co.uk/ on the proviso that he can get parts,its the waiting for a yes/no thats killing me! i may give you a shout mid week for your guys contact details if thats ok.
i think the amps worth spending the money on to a point,but being relatively new to this i dont want to spend money on a sideways step.
i must admit to being romanced by the appeal of the quad 33/303 :)

[walpurgis]

i must admit to being romanced by the appeal of the quad 33/303 :)

Some people love them. I'd sooner have a 405 II myself for similar money and use a non Quad pre-amp.

[PaulStewart]

IMO 33/303/Dittons are a great match all you need to add is a 401/3009/V-15 and it's classic gold. :laugh:

[DarrenHW]

IMO 33/303/Dittons are a great match all you need to add is a 401/3009/V-15 and it's classic gold. :laugh:

V15 III incoming! :carrot:

[mik_rik]

Hopefully a little re-assuring, in my experience ,sometimes the more dramatic the fault/failure ,the less serious was the fault!. If the fuse blows exactly" instantly" then I would expect the fault to be something like the bridge rectifier or the diodes that make a bridge ( I would change electrolytic caps around said circuit) If fuse blows fractionally later ,then could be o/p devices.p.s saying this with having experience of your amp, just saying may be cheaper to repair than you were maybe fearing.Hope it works out well...... Mick

[karma67]

nice one ta, yep the fuse blows the instant you press the power button. i have an urge to go and get another amp but being sensible i will at least explore the repair of this amp first.

[prsjnb]

JS Audio located in Coulsdon Surrey - 45 - 50 minutes from you (non peak) and straight up the M23. John is an experienced audio electronics engineer with an impressive track record and a passion for music. Speaking from personal experience, I can vouch for the fact that the work he does is of the highest standard and that he offers excellent after-sales service. http://jsaudiorepairs.co.uk/

He also happens to be a true 'gent' and a pleasure to meet!

Jon

[karma67]

excellent! many thanks :)

[walpurgis]

i must admit to being romanced by the appeal of the quad 33/303 :)

Did you see that there's a decent looking set at a fair price here: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?39932-LOOK-loads-of-really-cool-random-stuff-from-cartridges-to-a-RCM-plus-other-bits

[karma67]

i did indeed geoff,im just waiting to get a ball park figure for repair before i go quad hunting,as you have said though and from what ive read the 405.2 might be the best way to go,thanks for the heads up mate.

[Gordon Steadman]

excellent! many thanks :)

Or...my nephew lives near him at Forest Dale and his girlfriend's parents live in Brighton so I'm sure I could persuade him to act as courier. Obviously, you would be subject to when he goes to see them.

I'll have a word with him if you like and see if he is up for it.

[karma67]

thats a kind offer my friend,coulsdon is not too far away from me though so i wouldn't mind the drive.

[walpurgis]

i did indeed geoff,im just waiting to get a ball park figure for repair before i go quad hunting,as you have said though and from what ive read the 405.2 might be the best way to go,thanks for the heads up mate.

Don't let me put you off trying the 33/303 combo. It's pleasant enough. I just found the 405 II (and 405) more revealing and certainly punchier. The 33/34/44 pre-amps don't really do a lot for me. The aforementioned Denon will definitely match the sound quality of the 405 II though. I've compared them. They actually have a rather similar presentation.

[karma67]

cheers,i have the denon on my watch list,have you heard the model down? the pma 250,is there much difference as it seems to go for less money.

[Macca]

If you go for a PMA250 get the original one, the SE - don't get a Mk2 or later they are nothing like as good.

[walpurgis]

cheers,i have the denon on my watch list,have you heard the model down? the pma 250,is there much difference as it seems to go for less money.

Yes. I've compared those too. The PMA-250SE is a very decent little amp, but it does literally sound 'little' compared to the PMA-350SE, which has far more poke and does sound better in my view. The 250 may get a bit short of breath driving your KLHs for instance. If I hadn't already got a very good beefy Japanese integrated tucked away, I'd likely find another PMA-350SE to keep as a back up amp. They never disappoint.

[karma67]

thanks,how would the 350 be using the dittons,and for clarification thats only 1 pair! :D

[walpurgis]

thanks,how would the 350 be using the dittons,and for clarification thats only 1 pair! :D

It'll be fine. Bags of grip and real clarity without harshness.

[Arkless Electronics]

Yes I can fix it no problem..... in spite of some twat on pfm doing his best to put me out of business and who will be waiting till hell freezes over to get his unit after what he did. Try reading the hundreds of good reviews! :)

[dantheman91]

Yes. I've compared those too. The PMA-250SE is a very decent little amp, but it does literally sound 'little' compared to the PMA-350SE, which has far more poke and does sound better in my view. The 250 may get a bit short of breath driving your KLHs for instance. If I hadn't already got a very good beefy Japanese integrated tucked away, I'd likely find another PMA-350SE to keep as a back up amp. They never disappoint.

+ 1 using one at present VERY VERY good i cant quite believe it....

[dantheman91]

thanks,how would the 350 be using the dittons,and for clarification thats only 1 pair! :D

1 Here dude........Beer money http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dennon-Amplifier-Pma-350Se-/331624413489?hash=item4d365af931

[walpurgis]

1 Here dude........Beer money http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dennon-Amplifier-Pma-350Se-/331624413489?hash=item4d365af931


That one is dirt cheap. If Jamie doesn't grab it, I may just have it myself as a spare amp. I've used one alongside my valve monos and my SS Class A power amps and it was damn near as good.

That's funny really. I also used one years ago with Tannoy DC1000s too. Great fun combination, with the DCs going ridiculously loud!! :D

[dantheman91]

That one is dirt cheap. If Jamie doesn't grab it, I may just have it myself as a spare amp. I've used one alongside my valve monos and my SS Class A power amps and it was damn near as good.

That's funny really. I also used one years ago with Tannoy DC1000s too. Great fun combination, with the DCs going ridiculously loud!! :D

Hi Geoff

Yes its gem using the tannoys i'm surprised just what this combo can do i'm hearing certain things that i never knew were their..must be good either that or i'm hearing things...:mental:

[karma67]

hmm im tempted guys,do you 2 know the difference between the 350 and the se ?or are they the same thing and im being dumb :)
just sent the seller a message asking if it has the phono stage fitted.

[walpurgis]

hmm im tempted guys,do you 2 know the difference between the 350 and the se ?or are they the same thing and im being dumb :)
just sent the seller a message asking if it has the phono stage fitted.

I don't recall using the basic 350. It's an older design and has tone controls in circuit. I don't know if they are switchable (out). The 350 never had the reputation the SE developed. I'd not bother myself, just in case it was a let down. The 350SE is a known quantity and bloody good.

[karma67]

ta,
the sellers just replied saying......Hi, on the rear it says Phone input optional . if fitted then only phono available. It doesn't say if it is fitted.
On the front it says PHONE / AUX

I have a record player plugged in but the sound appears to be very quiet compared with the minidisc and cd separates.



i guess thats a no then :(

[Gordon Steadman]

ta,
the sellers just replied saying......Hi, on the rear it says Phone input optional . if fitted then only phono available. It doesn't say if it is fitted.
On the front it says PHONE / AUX

I have a record player plugged in but the sound appears to be very quiet compared with the minidisc and cd separates.



i guess thats a no then :(

Very quiet or quiet with just a huge amount of treble and no bass at all?

[dantheman91]

ta,
the sellers just replied saying......Hi, on the rear it says Phone input optional . if fitted then only phono available. It doesn't say if it is fitted.
On the front it says PHONE / AUX

I have a record player plugged in but the sound appears to be very quiet compared with the minidisc and cd separates.



i guess thats a no then :(

Hi Jamie

With the phono stage their needs to be a phono card fitted and optional extra from new not many have them mine does and in that case its sounds great to me as Geoff says the standard 350 has tone controls the SE just has source selector and balance and 2 sets of speaker terminals for 4 speakers & Headphone socket. Up to you if i were you its a decent step gap until the Sony is fixed also a very good back up as mine is.

[Marco]

Yes I can fix it no problem..... in spite of some twat on pfm doing his best to put me out of business and who will be waiting till hell freezes over to get his unit after what he did.

Except, of course, that the nice (honest) man, whom you are, will ensure that you'll eventually return the unit to its rightful owner [who has paid for it], otherwise it would be theft... Even 'twats' don't deserve to be stolen from ;)

Marco.

[Gordon Steadman]

ta,
the sellers just replied saying......Hi, on the rear it says Phone input optional . if fitted then only phono available. It doesn't say if it is fitted.
On the front it says PHONE / AUX

I have a record player plugged in but the sound appears to be very quiet compared with the minidisc and cd separates.



i guess thats a no then :(

There are some cheap phono stages on the Bay. Project isn't bad and one QED. Obviously pushes the price up but still a good deal at around £80 total I would have thought.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Phono-stage-project-boxed-bargain-/191657425596?hash=item2c9fac3abc

[karma67]

Except, of course, that the nice (honest) man, whom you are, will ensure that you'll eventually return the unit to its rightful owner [who has paid for it], otherwise it would be theft... Even 'twats' don't deserve to be stolen from ;)

Marco. I have to say Marco that when i read that originally it (as a customer) put me right off!
aye up,we've been moved,how come?This isn't a diy project,there's no way im going any where near my amp with a soldering iron,i was just after advice from peeps. :)

[Marco]

...and this section of the forum is the best place for folks who can help [DIYers], to see this thread, and offer you that advice, Jamie :)

Marco.

[karma67]

no probs,i just wondered why :)
re the amp,ive just had an email from stephen from vintagetech.co.uk, it would appear that all is not lost and his ball park prices are very reasonable.
not too far away either.

[Arkless Electronics]

Except, of course, that the nice (honest) man, whom you are, will ensure that you'll eventually return the unit to its rightful owner [who has paid for it], otherwise it would be theft... Even 'twats' don't deserve to be stolen from ;)

Marco.

Oh he'll obviously get it back and modded as paid for :eek::scratch::eyebrows:

[Marco]

Indeed. I wouldn't expect anything else from you! :)

Marco.

[karma67]

Sorted now guys. Off to be fixed Wednesday. Thanks for all your help. :)

[karma67]

:carrot::carrot::carrot: she lives again!!! just had a call to say it was only one side of the output stage gone,and apparently theirs some impressive stuff inside the old gal,so kids dont go running 2 pairs of ditton 44's through your amp!!:D i can stop looking at quad gear now too! :carrot::carrot::carrot:

[Firebottle]

Good news there :)

I always like to try to fix things and don't like to give up on awkward faults, though they sometimes send me nuts :mental:

[karma67]

Thanks,I shall celebrate tonight with a Chinese :)

[walpurgis]

Thanks,I shall celebrate tonight with a Chinese :)

What's her name? :lol:

[karma67]

Hahaha!

[Barry]

I used to have a Chinese girlfriend called Ha-Haha. Wonder if it is the same?

[karma67]

She's back,and sounding lovely again,if you need any work or servicing done i can highly recommend stephen at vintage tech,very friendly and great service,honest advice and brilliant repair prices.
http://www.vintagetech.co.uk/