Burning smell


I have McIntosh 1.25 kw mono blocks. They are around 6 years old. One of them has started emitting an electrical burning smell when playing music. It doesn’t do it when just powered up, only when playing . Does anyone have a possible diagnosis of what component may be failing or what is happening ? Thanks

keithjacksontucson

Is it unusual for the capacitors to be blown after 6 years ? it looks like that may be the problem

Check if these caps made in China, then you'll probably find answer.

There are also smaller caps that need to be checked around high-heat power supply area where you may see it either out of shape or draining liquid that potentially smokes. Heat damage usually visible

Homeowners insurance will compensate you if you continue to listen to music and burn your house :-)

Czarivey as usual giving bad advice including insurance fraud.

 

Two most likely culprits are caps and resistors.  If it is a cap, it may just be leaking fluid onto a normally hot component.

A quick inspection by you (if you know how to open it up) or a tech should identify the hot component.  If not, then power it up with the top off and a thermal camera will identify the hot component immediately.  Should not be expensive fix.  

 

and if you can afford this amp, you don't need to commit insurance fraud.

 

Jerry