Speaker Amplifier Question

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Mick Moreau
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2011/06/12 14:01:45 (permalink)

Speaker Amplifier Question

I'm not one to buy new equipment a lot, and some of my audio gear is getting long in the tooth, so here goes...
 
I have a pair of older KRK rockit sapeakers powered by an equally older Hafler Ta1600 amplifier (150 watts).

I noticed a buzz (constant) coming from my left speaker and did my usual checking to see if there were any wires crossed, power cords hanging over speaker cords etc and nothing out of the ordinary. I swapped out the left and right connections and the buzz moved to the right speaker.

Is this indicative of the amp going bad? Something that could be fixed maybe? Or is it time to move to a newer setup?

Many thanks in advance

Me
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    Rbh
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    Re:Speaker Amplifier Question 2011/06/12 19:18:55 (permalink)
    Yes, It's possible that the  power amp has a leaky cap or something similar. ALso, for the heck of it, try cleaning the internal connectors to the input of the power amp. A pencil eraser on the input jack connector can clean it up pretty well. Make sure it's unplugged if getting into the cabinet and you're not used to routing around live hot power supplies...etc.

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    craigb
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    Re:Speaker Amplifier Question 2011/06/13 02:48:17 (permalink)
    And be careful if you go into the cabinet EVEN if you have it unplugged!  Some of the capacitors can still hold a lethal zap if they haven't drained.

     
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    Guitarhacker
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    Re:Speaker Amplifier Question 2011/06/13 09:57:57 (permalink)
    You said you swapped the wires L&R and the buzz moved... OK... so, did you also swap the INPUT wires to see if the buzz is originating in the soundcard or somewhere else in the path?

    Try disconnecting the INPUT all together and see if the buzz is still there.

    A leaky cap would cause a hum, usually at 60hz. Depending where it is, it would also tend to inject hum into both channels.

    If the inputs are disconnected, and the hum is still there and follows the amp channel.... then it's time to visit a good audio repair shop and have it looked at by a professional.

    Note: a quick chat with a knowledgeable amp tech  will let you know, before they open it up, if it's worth the money to repair of if the money would be better spent replacing the speaker/amp with something newer.  They will make money either way you go so figure out YOUR best path through this.
    post edited by Guitarhacker - 2011/06/13 10:00:48

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    johnnyV
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    Re:Speaker Amplifier Question 2011/06/13 11:23:32 (permalink)
    Those are worth fixing..
    Why don't you get in touch with them and see if it's a easy fix. They look like nice people who care.

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    codamedia
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    Re:Speaker Amplifier Question 2011/06/13 11:38:28 (permalink)
    You said you swapped the wires L&R and the buzz moved... OK... so, did you also swap the INPUT wires to see if the buzz is originating in the soundcard or somewhere else in the path?

     
    +1 to Guitarhacker's statement above.
     
    Although it could be the channel on the amp, you will first need to verify the amp is not just reproducing what it being sent to it. Troubleshoot the inputs as well, as you may have a problem before the amp.

    Don't fix it in the mix ... Fix it in the take! 
     
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