2. amps-preamps
  3. 154688-4502

Anyone have this kind of problem with their amp?

I own a Classe CAP-101 integrated amp that I bought used about 10+ years ago.  Recently, it's developed a problem where the right output channel doesn't operate.  Sometimes, the amp works just fine.  But at other times, the right channel won't operate when I power up.  At still other times, there's no issue when I power up, but the right channel will stop working after a variable period of time, sometimes ten minutes and sometimes thirty or even more.  Occasionally but not frequently, after the channel has stopped working, it will resume working after a while, continue to work for a time but then may revert to not working.  When the channel stops working, turning the amp off and restarting it, and/or unplugging and replugging it, does not restore operability.  I've checked and re-checked my connections (bare wire) without any effect  

It's not my other equipment, because I've inserted another integrated without any issue.

I've taken it to a repair shop but the tech couldn't replicate the problem, so he couldn't diagnose it.

In the past, when I've contacted Classe customer support by email about a previous issue or with a question, I've never even gotten a reply.

Any thoughts/advice?  Thanks in advance.

Jim
jimcrane

Showing 3 responses by jimcrane

jimcrane OP
160 posts
 
Thanks, noromance,

Ever since I've owned it, I've had the amp on a wood shelf nowhere near a heat vent, with 3-4 inches of open space around the amp's top and sides.  The top (which has vents and which I've always kept clear) has always gotten warm to the touch during extensive use.  Consequently, I don't think it's an overheating issue.  
jimcrane OP
160 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply.

Bsamooa, special thanks for your detailed questions and suggestions.  To respond briefly:  (1) there's no noise (e.g., boom or scratch) at sound cut out; (2) after sound cut out, no hum or hiss from the quiet channel; (3) I haven't tried listening after sound cut out to both speakers without music playing.

Bsamooa and noromance, I'm going to show your post to the repair tech.  He said he couldn't duplicate the problem so he couldn't diagnose it, but perhaps your post will give him some ideas.  If not, I'll bring the amp home, put it back into the system and when (and if) it fails again, I'll come back here and see what can be tried.
jimcrane OP
160 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for their help!

Stereo5, I'm going to try contacting Classe again.  Who knows, maybe I'll get a response this time.

The local repair shop I went to is Audio Specialties here in Portland; the owner, Doug, is well-respected.  I don't know specifically what he did, but I would trust him to have done a thorough inspection.  Still, I may ask him about identifying possible cold solder joint issues.

Bigkidz, you're very generous to offer to look at it.  But I'm in Portland, Oregon, and I think the shipping costs alone would be prohibitive relative to the probably fair market value of the amp, which I think is in the $400-500 range.  When repair costs are factored in, I'd have that same consideration if Classe wants me to ship it to them. 

Skyscraper and EBM, I feel ya.

The amp is back in my system now, working without problem.  But tick, tick, tick.....

One final thought:  If Classe knew that boards were defective, even it discovered the fact after manufacture, should it have an obligation to repair/replace the boards without charge?  Now, it's been around 20 years (or more) since the amp was measured, so Classe probably doesn't have any legal obligation (statutes of limitation and ultimate repose and all that), but how about a moral or ethical obligation?  If Classe responds, I'll ask, but I'm not hopeful.

Again, thanks to all!  A great community here!


More to discover