2. amps-preamps
  3. 1323625243

Recurring Channel Loss on Power Amps

I have a recurring problem where my power amps keep losing a channel. I am wondering if it is just sheer bad luck or if it is possible that something else might cause this. Here is the story:

I am powering Celestion SL6si's (84 db sensitivity) using a Rotel RB991 bought new in 1998. I lost a channel on it 3 years ago and had it repaired. I then lost a channel this Spring and had it repaired again. After getting it back it blew a channel again within 3 months.

My backup amp was a Carver TFC50 bought in the mid 90's but seldom used. That also blew a channel this Fall while the Rotel was in the shop. Down to no power amps I bought an ancient Bryston 4B off Craig's List a month ago. It has now also lost a channel. The Bryston has a bad transformer hum so I know it is not in stellar shape.

Am I just overdue for some newer equipment or is there something in my setup that might be causing this? Other pieces of the system are:

Acurus RL11 pre-amp
Arcam Alpha 8 CD player

Any thoughts are appreciated.
sruffle

Showing 5 responses by sruffle

sruffle OP
57 posts
 
I am not playing it loud or getting any smoke or noises, the channel just disappears. I can't be 100% sure but it seems to be the right channel. I have checked all the wire connections and tested both speakers to make sure it is in fact the amplifier.

Do you suggest that I buy a digital voltmeter to check to see if the CD player and preamp are doing something funny? Thanks for your input.
sruffle OP
57 posts
 
Edit to my previous post: the right channel is out this time but I am not sure if it is always the right channel that has gone out.
sruffle OP
57 posts
 
Excellent. Thanks for the detailed advice. I will give that a shot.
sruffle OP
57 posts
 
Glenner, Thanks for that suggestion. I will give it a try.
sruffle OP
57 posts
 
I don't post much but I did want to resurrect this thread to thank all of the folks who responded. After several more blown fuses and another blown channel on an amp, I figured out the problem. The amp was on the same circuit as the TV and my other components. I moved the amp to another circuit and have not had any problems for the last 12 months.

That was a good lesson learned.
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