Ultimate stereo nightmare

I hate to say it, but I am feelings the aches & pains of aging myself.

You didn't list your equipment (separates or integrated, SS or tube, etc.) and this may be helpful to know.

But, I also hate to say this, I think you are going to have to unhook that "jumble" of cables, unjumble them, and start from scratch hooking them up and see if that right channel comes back.

I know that is not what you want to hear and hopefully some one will come up with something better for you.

Same boat here. Harder everyday.

But it is worth it to "refigure" everything out. 

And make better notes to self.

If or when you figure it out, write it down, at least on the phone.

Totally recommend putting all the complex crap up for sale and going with simplifi, an active speaker setup with everything needed built in:

https://soundstagesimplifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/219-dynaudio-focus-30-active-loudspeaker-system

I agree with @kota1 . At some point, it’s better to simplify (and SimpliFi is a good resource). Do you really use all those components, or is it just "nice" to have them? When (if not now) does "can’t deal with all this" outweigh "nice"?

Well, whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck!

With a complex system it's always best to have full access to the back of your gear. Best you can do now is try to hook up a minimum system configuration and see if you can get the lost channel back. Most likely a wonky RCA connector or cable. 

Best eliminate one by one, only way to do it, may take time but would be good for a fresh start. +1 @russ69 as having full access to back of gear.

Is your problem with the right channel not working true for all sources or just one?

If it's all sources, then your issue is somewhere with your amp/preamp.  LIke if you moved your amp to change speaker cables, maybe your right channel interconnect to your amp from your preamp was pulled loose, assuming they are separates.

If it's one source only, then maybe your interconnect was pulled loose when you were tugging on the speaker cable to change them.

I don't think it is likely that you blew out an amp channel when you changed your speaker cables, but it might be worth checking if the interconnects are OK.

Thank you for your replies.  
I wish I could get to the back of the system.  Unfortunately. It’s all sitting on the bottom of a very long TV table, so I have access only from the front. I would love to disassemble it all and start over, but all my cables are from one company (Morrow) and look exactly the same.  A nightmare!

Surely you have an audio buddy nearby who would be willing to help you out. If I were near you, I’d certainly be willing to assist.

Use a mirror to look at the rear of the amp. You might see that the right RCA is pulled out!

rvpiano lets look at this logically when you installed the speaker cables did you move or change anything else? Also is it possible the active portion of your Tritons is coming into play somehow? Just spitballing here try thinking back on what you did and good luck! I'd also be happy to help if you were nearby.

You might also let us know what part of this earth you call home.  There might be a kind-hearted soul that could help.

Pull it all apart. Start from scratch and reconnect one component...maybe two components a day..to keep your lower back, feet, etc., from filing a complaint. When you plug one of the cables in and you get no sound, you've found your glitch. When you do all this, do it in a temporary, easily accessible spot where it won't prompt any emergency calls to the chiropractor.  Take your time! In any case, it'll allow you to get to know your stereo again!

OP, 
 

I get it. I really hate working on my home theater. But fortunately I had taken it apart years ago and labeled the interconnects.
 

Where do you live? There might be some not quite as old a codger nearby willing to help. For someone that understands audio… they will have enough familiarity to pretty quickly trace the problem. I live in Vancouver WA. 
 

I live in the New York area (Long Island.)

I have engaged a technician who’s coming tomorrow morning. 
I hope he doesn’t throw up his hands in horror!

Might try to locate and check the fuse before calling in a crew to tell you the same.

My best guess is that it’s a loose or disconnected cable. No sign of a fuse blowing, but it’s possible.

I live in the New York area (Long Island.)

The Johnny Rutan of AudioConnection in NJ is pretty well respected. 

Money usually works. Wish I could help… but we are clearly on opposite sides of the country.

@rvpiano Seems like in NYC there would be a number of audio clubs you could tap for help. If you were in So Cal Id gladly come and help on this weekend. Best of luck. 

I can really identify with your predicament @rvpiano . My knees a not what they once were and getting between the left or right speaker and the equipment rack is scary and painful. When one thing gets loose, and I need to start troubleshooting, it is not a happy time.  

I hope the tech is able to identify and remedy the problem, which is probably something simple.

@rvpiano where are you located? Maybe someone who might live close might volunteer to visit and help.

FWIW I am still able to tackle things like this when it happens. But I did just switch from a fairly complex set of components to a much simpler all in one integrated amp a Cambridge Evo 150 with the intent to downsize and simplify but retain sound I want spend my time with. Worked out well! They call newer devices that provide good sound in a more compact and manageable package future fi. That is where things are headed. The times they are a changing

A growing problem in search of a solution. Could the equipment be engineered with this in mind? 

@rvpiano Just occurred to me,what I do is put my phone or pad in back of my system in places I need to look at and take a picture. Allows me to enlarge it to look at things I need to see . My problem is vision, tricky to do but it can be done, hard part is keeping your hand stll long enough to get the pic. Best wishes.

op

in our lifetimes of being audiophiles and music lovers, it is important to know when to simplify, move towards one box solutions

good luck on your troubleshooting

I am very empathetic. Being an engineer with OCD this has caused me to be obsessive with cable management. Makes issues like yours much easier to manage.

I wish you luck.

1. The first thing I do is turn off amp & preamp and swap the amp phono cables at either end. Now listen again. If the problem stays in the right speaker its not the preamp

2. grit your teeth and swap the speaker leads at the amp. Now the amp L channel is driving the R speaker and vice versa. If the R speaker is still out its the speaker or the R speaker cable. If the L speaker is out its the amp R channel.

This sounds like a job for supervised kids or grand kids.😁

+1 R69

Full access is a sign of an organized process. 

Very helpful!!

I’m guessing everything was working before swapping cables. If this is correct, is it possible that you swapped cables while the system was powered up? If so, you could have damaged your amp or your speakers.

if you hook up your left cable to your right speaker, does it work?

Do you have access to another pair of speakers, it doesn’t matter what they are, you just want to see if both work.

If the new speakers work then it’s your old speaker. If it doesn’t work, borrow An amp and see if that works.

Trial and error.

As for easy access, put your gear on top of a taller table so you do t have to bend over the change or check things out

To the OP: you attribute this to your failings of age and you forget that this isn’t uncommon if you are an audiophile. If you find it difficult to crawl around and sort out a cable mess or noise within your system, you need to find somebody who is technically inclined, respects good equipment, and has a detective’s ability to find the culprit.

I’m in a location now which is not gear heavy- most of the techs in Austin Tx are about repairing instrument amplification, not hifi. Some of them are afraid of dealing with hi-ticket stuff and won’t do home visits. You need to find the "right" person, wherever you are. I found a guy only a couple miles away who was extremely knowledgeable of pre-WWII tube gear and ’78s. I was totally comfortable having him work on my more modern tube gear and system, which clones the pre-War era-horns, SETS, main source is vinyl, which didn’t really exist until later. You can get it sorted.

The question is whether this is too much bother. You won’t get much return on selling to a dealer and buying new stuff- people seem OK with retail Internet. Man, it was the casbah when I was in acquisition mode, and I didn’t have to "hondle" or negotiate. Find the right competent dealer (rare) and they can help without gouging you.

Did you say where you are, geographically? I think even NYC, which was at one time heavy with audiophile retail, isn’t what it once was. You’ll need to do some research and talk to some peeps wherever you are to find a solution to the immediate problems and a long term solution.

My long term solution is: I die, the crap  gets sold. Period. The records are probably worth as much as the gear, maybe more.

Was the tech you hired successful? Can we get an update? Your post is a friendly reminder to plan ahead...

Tech coming tomorrow morning. 
Will update.

Good luck Richard, here’s what I did in your situation. One approach , I took the system apart and cleaned and treated all the cables, components, tubes, and tube sockets with Deoxit. This took a full day. Then I pulled the rack away from the wall and removed the sheeting that covered the back side. I then reassembled everything away from the wall minus the tv and power amp ( weight ). Then someone helped me and we moved it back against the wall. Put the tv back on top and slid the amp onto the shelf. The second time I wanted to tear it down , it was easy as the back had been previously removed. Also with the back removed it’s a big plus when I’m running a tube amp and not SS. I’ll text you a photo of the current setup.  Regards, Mike B , Ca. 

Keep us informed, I live in southwest CT and may be able to help.

I live in Nassau County Long island NY and would be willing to help. Just let me know. Thanks!

My upstairs system is 16 channels and 2 subs with processor and separate amps. Outside audio also tied into processor. Huge jumble of wires. I solved my problem with a label maker. Tabbed each speaker cable and both ends if interconnects. Labels are clear and easy to read. Works like a charm. 

Whatever you do (I recommend moving everything, including the table and disconnecting everything, reconnect) LABEL every cable- interconnects, speaker cables, power cables- on each end. 
 Seek out other audiophiles in your area. Great source for help and enjoying the hobby. 
Good luck. 

I feel the OP pain.  Just had to spend half an hour reconnecting bare copper wire to a binding post, after my cleaning lady Womanhandled my speakers into submission in the relentless quest to fight dust.  Had to fight a Forest of cables and my own body complaining about having to kneel on the floor.

  I am ordering banana plugs but not looking forward to the joys on installing them

I live in northeast Queens, but someone from Nassau offered to help. Hopefully the technician will find the problem quickly. good luck.

Where are you located , one of us Audiophiles maybe can help you if in our area .

i am in MA. Many know me from my Duelund Loudspeaker purifiers but I have helped others with Xover upgrade recommendations as well as quality parts and voicing  audio Systems . Being a Audiophile for over 40 years is a passion ,

my only limitation getting near retirement is $$ for more toys . Enjoy your music 🎶 🎼!!

This is a time to take part the system, clean, and reassemble, preferably with id tags on your cables or some kind or organizing method. I’ll bet you have cables that aren’t being used. Curious to see what the person you hired will do. Good luck

I would check where the cable wire is inserted into the temination. A slight chance that it may be loose due to not being fully attached during manufacturing. Try wiggling it near its` insertion as you play some music.

If you use locking bananas, check to see if the connector is fully expanded into the speaker binding post.

@rvpiano

First off, it sounds like you’re still enjoying your hobby. The fact that you just spent serious money on (upgraded) speaker cables is a pretty good indicator of this.

I wouldn’t change a thing.

If you use the formula: Grief Factor (GF) = Biological Age (BA) * System Complexity (SC) * Cable Stiffness (CS) * Frrequency of Mishaps (FH), the result produces the relative degree of Audio Headachery (AH).

My assumption here is that your Frequency of Mishaps (FH) is low and you love your system more than you hate the inconvenience of having to deploy more dexterious individuals to the rescue. Hopefully, your "audio guy" gets you going and you’ll be playing your Cindi Lauper’s Greatest Hits cassette in no time (out of both channels).

Okay, but it might be good to be a little proactive for the "next time". Here’s my suggestion. Find electronic version of the manuals for all your stuff. Then print out the illustration of the rear panel of each. Ideally, you’ll have some software (or buddy) around where you can put the all the illustrations on the same page and "connect the dots". If this is not the case (probably not), then just make good notes for each piece of gear as to what goes where. Armed with this information, and a little patience, anyone with functional eyeballs, knees, and phalanges can inspect your equipment and make (re)connectoins as needed.

Okay, a quick (old guy) story. We spend one day a week operating a service business with the goal of keeping old audio gear from going into a dumpster. I got a call from a guy who said he was in his 90’s and was having trouble with his "Bose turntable". I knew this wasn’t correct, but didn’t think it was appropriate to challenge his perception of what he owned and agreed to go pick it up and bring it into the shop. When I arrived, he identified himself as a 98-year-old and the what he referred to as a "turntable" was the CD transport on top of his Bose Wave radio. A replacement motor is on it’s way from China. So, things could be worse. Your "stereo" is not a Bose Wave Radio, and you know the difference between a turntable and CD transport.

Looks like your remedy may be just around the corner. Best of luck with that.

@rvpiano 

Taking another look at your system photos, I think that you'd have an easier time accessing the back of your gear if you mounted your TV on the wall. It might sound better too.

I also just looked at your system pictures. Some young fellow will have no problem getting you all patched up. 

@dinov .... Based on personal experience this is the best advice I would give.

My tech canceled for today.

I’ve printed up labels for all the wires to facilitate the job.
Now I just need somebody to unclutter the system and get on their hands and knees to attach them.

I’ve been reassigned another technician for tomorrow: a “Jasmine.” 
Trying not to be sexist, but I wonder about that.

Nothing worse than working on wires you don't have free-and-easy access to. Recently reorganized my home theater rig -took two days, and thought I'd have to call an ambulance a couple of times. The result? Lost 80% functionality in my "Main HDMI out" connection (no video or eARC) but the secondary HDMI still works sort-of. We suffer for our art.