here I am answering my own post . . . if I could delete it I would at this point. After posting, I did a little google work and discovered this is a common problem. It seems that the usual problem is capacitors and a number of folks have recapped and were good to go. Also, Lexicon sells a replacement PS that's an upgraded "hospital grade" PS. Installation is similar to installing a hard drive in a PC - just remove the cover, remove 4 screws, disconnect 2 plugs, and reverse the procedure. The price on the new PS is $65, so that's the way I'm going.
Lexicon MC-1; DC-1 Power supplies
Has anyone else had a power supply die in their Lexicon MC-1, or DC-1 or 2?
It's happened to me twice now. They use what appears to me to be a pretty cheap switching power supply. Lexicon won't service these units for less than $600 (though for that they do a complete refurb). I had my DC-1 repaired a couple of years ago by local reputable shop and it cost $200.
I love the units for home theater. They sound great and are very user friendly for setup and control, but wonder about the reliability.
Am I just unlucky?
It's happened to me twice now. They use what appears to me to be a pretty cheap switching power supply. Lexicon won't service these units for less than $600 (though for that they do a complete refurb). I had my DC-1 repaired a couple of years ago by local reputable shop and it cost $200.
I love the units for home theater. They sound great and are very user friendly for setup and control, but wonder about the reliability.
Am I just unlucky?
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Just called Lexicon parts dept. They are ordering less of these and the new price shipped is $168! Yikes. My display is very dim and the first simple fix is replace the PS. Less compelling at $168. Are there any other sources for this PS? For those that replaced the caps, how many do you change out? Is your fix still working? Thanks |
received and installed the new ps from pyramid audio. worked perfectly. the display is brighter and looks better. interestingly, the unit seems to sound a whole lot better. much more open. tighter bass. and a huge improvement in the high frequency extension. wow! wish i'd done this while ago. totally forgot how good this unit can sound. highly recommended even if you ps hasn't died yet. i failed to figure out how to remove the old ps without bending the side panel. simply bent it back. looks the same. plan to keep mc-1 for a while now! |
Just joined the ranks (again) of a blown PS on a MC1. HINT --- LEAVE THEM ON STANDBY AND NEVER EVER UNPLUG THEM for as long as you can. The cold start is what kills them - but I am sure people have figures this out. My first issue was repaired in Singapore and I have no idea what they did. Now, 5 yrs later. It has died again. There is an earlier comment that installing the new PS (from Mouser or Lexicon) is like putting in a new HD. I read that to mean plug and play. Can anyone confirm that? e.g. no soldering etc.? Thanks. |
Crwilli - you're correct on both counts - my PSU failed when I had a power outage and it came back on. You'll also notice that when first powered on there's a hi frequency squeal that it puts out for probably 20-30 minutes until it warms up I assume. This may be a hint. Second - replacement is very my like replacing a hard drive except there's a few more screws to deal with. It any even it's a piece of cake unless you're a total DIY klutz. |
I just have to echo the comments above and say that this is still a relevant thread. Severe thunderstorms are frequent here in middle TN and a recent one tripped my line conditioner and shut off my DC-1. It was several hours before I got home and attempted to power it up -- no dice. Taking the advice above, I ordered a new PS from Mouser and I'm back up and running. Installation couldn't be much easier, just a few screws and a couple ribbon connectors. Thanks gents! |
In searching a little more, I found that the NFS40-7910 (NFS40-7910J) may be the proper replacement PS for the DC-1. Pretty cheap at $19.99 on eBay - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Artesyn-Power-Supply-NFS40-7910-/171917814926?hash=item280719ac8e Can someone confirm that this is the correct PS for the DC-1? |
My MC-1 also just stopped working - wasn't aware that I should not be subjecting it to cold starts - now I hear a clicking noise when I turn the toggle switch on the back - would it be the power supply or something else entirely? Also, if it is the power supply, does the MC-1 used the same PS as a DC-1? If not, I would really appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction. Thanks. |
This question is for the Lexicon DC-2 power supply replacements. How has your DC-2 been performing since you replaced the power supply from Mouser at this link from the above threads? http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=NFS40-7610Jvirtualkey54020000virtualkey826-NFS40-7... |
It’s a known problem, and a case of basically rape by Lexicon. This is a $45 supply - not hudreds of $$$. It's basically Lexicon telling their user base that they feel that you need to spend more money, and want to coerce you to buy a new unit instead of a trivial repair . . . . I have refitted power supplies in three DC-2’s, and every one ran as well as the day it was built, with no further issues. It’s not like Lexicon used a custom supply - the supply in the DC-1, DC-2, and others is just an off the shelf part (and not a particularly good one at that) and as long as the voltages, amperages, and pinouts match, the number of candidates out there available are multiple. Myself, I have not used the NFS40-7 listed above, but rather the Artsyn LPT-45 https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/826-LPT45 As noted, I have done several, the oldest being probably close to 8 years, and never a burp. If it takes you more than 10 minutes to do a supply replacement in one of these, you are doing it wrong! 5 screws for the cover, 4 screws and one nut for the supply, and two connectors, and done! Oh, and bought two of my DC-2’s cheap (last for $29, looks like new) since this is such a common problem, the risk of buying these dead is not very high . . . and, as noted, they still sound great! Finding one with a working remote, however, isn’t as easy . . . |
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I’ve made a video documenting my experience repairing an MC-12 power supply issue here: https://youtu.be/M893AOu3Dww |
Re: MC-1 My system has developed 60hz hum. I have traced it back to my MC-1. Can I correct this with a power supply replacement? The hum is present with no inputs connected to the MC-1; disconnect the interconnects to the power amps and hum is gone. Tried different interconnects but hum remains. FYI Pyramid doesn’t sell parts; Mouser doesn’t have the power supplies suggestions are appreciated thanks!!!
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Thanks @tadawson. DC-1 crapped out and was presenting a blank screen on front (all lit up, no letters/symbols). No response from any front buttons nor remote. Replaced the power supply with an Artesyn LPT45 from Newark Electronics $55.77 + $10 shipping. Newark part number 62K3453. Arrived in three days. Back in business. Replacing the board is exactly as @tadawson described. Easiest with a phillip screwdriver with a magnet head on it. |