This page discusses a few common issues that can be easily troubleshooted. The goal is to keep very simple things off my bench, and to make sure you bring me the right component.

How to track a bad channel down to the right component

If you have a channel cutting out, or gone all together, it is easy to determine which component is at fault using the divide and conquer method. Lets say you are using a turntable, a receiver, and a pair of speakers. First, note whether the problem occurs on all inputs. If the problem occurs with your turntable, see if it also happens with the tuner and or your auxiliary input. If it only happens with the turntable, swap the left and right RCA connections going into your receiver. If the problem changes channel, your turntable is the issue. If it doesn’t the problem is downstream in your receiver or speakers. If the problem doesn’t change channel, try setting the receiver to “mono”. If the issue disappears, then the issue is likely a dirty switch and the next section may help you with that. If this doesn’t help, the issue is further downstream. At this point we can normally conclude the receiver is at fault. You can try swapping your left/right speaker wires as well, but speakers usually aren’t the problem, unless the problem is only with one driver, for example a blown woofer or tweeter. But make sure the speakers are connected securely, and there are no loose strands of wire to short.

If you are using a separate power amp and preamp, swap left and right on the RCA cables going from the preamp to the amp. If the problem changes channel, the issue is upstream (ie preamp or source) and if it doesn’t the issue is downstream, in the power amp or speakers. Again, make sure your cables are connected securely, and that they aren’t faulty.

Hopefully these steps have helped you identify which component is causing your issue. If you have narrowed a one channel issue the steps in the next section might save you bringing the amp in, especially if it is a minor issue in a recently serviced unit.

Channel Cutting Out

When a channel cuts out in something that was recently serviced, the vast majority of the time it is a switch that is still a bit dirty. Often it is one you don’t use, like tape monitor. Switches will never be as clean as they were when the gear was new no matter how much deoxit I spray in them. But they can still be reliable.

If a channel in your unit has cut out, play with all the switches. It might cut back in as soon as you touch a switch you never use. Then shut the unit off and cycle all the pots and switches 20-30 times (or just cycle the one you identified as the problem). If many switches make the signal crackle and cut out, it is time for a general service. Some units have a main/separate switch on the back of the unit that separates the preamp from the power amp. This switch should be checked too. It is best not to flip this switch with the unit on.

If it continues to be stubborn I can give it another cleaning, but this fixes the vast majority of such issues in units I just serviced. And if something needs another full cleaning, you’ll at least be able to tell me what switch is troublesome. If it is an occasional issue this can save me the trouble of trying to repeat it.

Also please make sure all your connections are secure.