2. amps-preamps
  3. 1212816834

component problems driving me from the hobby?

I have had a very bad time of it for the last,almost two years,with varying little problems.Alot of new additions,that just continue to plague me with component failure.From amp to line conditioner/table/CD player,tonearm etc.It is almost surreal!

I have been at this for about fourty years,so I know what I'm doing,but this latest round may drive me from the hobby!Btw,I don't feel sorry for myself,but am disgusted!!
I am doing far too much diagnostics/schlepping,and way too little listening pleasure!!I've also spent alot of money lately,on the hobby.

Here's my question,and I really would appreciate some "thoughtful comments".....

My pre was in use playing my CD player and I noticed noise in the volume control when I moved it.This happened awhile ago,so I just blew some air into the contacts and circuitry with an air spray can.It cleared up,awhile ago,and somewhat tonight.

Yet,upon further play I still noticed some noise(like a static/dusty sound,when moving the volume control.I stopped CD play and ran a few click stops to hear it's effect....After five volume click stops(only around 9 or 10 o'clock on volume control,I got a POP sound,and the pre went dead!

I can't check out my analog,because I am awaiting a new arm,which had set up problems.

Thinking I am cursed,as of late,as I have a dedicated room/dedicated lines/superb line regeneration/line conditioners etc.

Any thoughts as to the cause of the pre failure?

Thanks so much...
sirspeedy

Showing 2 responses by mechans

mechans
3,048 posts
 
Sorry about the threadjack, But why do we say "one off"? I think of it as a single - more or less custom- piece of gear. Why not call it a one of? As in one OF a kind? One Off sounds terrible what went off? did it fall off etc.?
mechans
3,048 posts
 
Actually my message to you is very simple keep a good backup system around when things go south. It won't make you feel like it's OK when gear fails but at least you will have music in your life.
I am fortunate as well thank goodness, and have really only gotten sick over CD transports crapping out as if they are supposed to do that. I can't stand it so you have my empathy. Sure I have had more than one amp fail at one point and it seems that every time I buy a Preamp on the cheap one channel is out. That is true except a couple I use now.
This hobby is a great one to be immersed in. I couldn't give it up if I tried. Perserverance is the word, and as Winston Churchill said "Never ever ever Quit." BTW he was wrong about anything he could enjoy being immoral, illegal or fatening. This hobby is none of those things.
Good luck it is likely on its way in your direction as a staistical probability it must.
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