2. amps-preamps
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A worse feeling than burning out your amp?

Last night I was planning to get back into making digital music and began setting up my laptop with the necessary software. I had my audio cable (1/8" connector) plugged into my Macintosh, which was playing mp3s. The laptop was ready to go, so I unplugged the cable from the Mac without turning the amp off, which I've done dozens and dozens of times before; BIG mistake. I heard a very loud buzzing sound that lasted about a quarter of a second, followed by a loud pop. I went over to the amp and could smell electronics burning. I turned the amp off and back on, after which I noticed that sound was only coming out of the left channel and it was very broken and full of static. Also, it doesn't matter which input is selected, it plays all sound coming from all inputs now. This integrated NAD C 340 amp is no longer good as a preamp either. What a horrible feeling, but it could have been much worse (my speakers could have blown out!).

Has anyone ever done something similar to their amp and attempted to fix it? I'm at least going to open it up and have a look before I trash the thing. The only bad part about all of this is having to wait several months before I can afford to replace this unit. For now, it's back to the old mass market Kenwood receiver....
jwglista
jwglista OP
206 posts
 
What does it mean to "blow a channel?" Does this mean a blown capacitor, resistor, or the entire electrical path?
pehare's avatar
pehare
835 posts
 
I had some young female relatives visiting a few years ago who took it upon themselves to turn on 'the cool looking stereo' while we were at work. at the time a classe ca 200, ML sl-3's, audio research ls-3, cd player setup. it was common practice for the wife & I to utilize the mute switch on the ls-3 when switching sources and while warming things up. I probably don't need to say more but I take the blame for it. It's great being your own worst enemy. I find humor in it anymore.
hack
185 posts
 
Bust a brand new cartridge while installing it and you know what real clumsiness is all about. Do it more than once and you know you're a prime candidate to apply for the job as the village idiot.
ggg3081ab0
1 posts
 
I've burned out mine once (Audio Refinement Complete), when my 2 year old son disconneted the right speaker from the amp. I turned on one of my favorite CDs, cranked it up, and about 30 seconds later, the sound cut out and my amp was slightly smoking. Good news was, my local hi-fi shop (Sound Environment, Omaha, NE) did a warranty repair AND gave me a loaner amp while my amp was being repaired. The slightly higher price I paid for buying locally was well worth the service I got in return. Gil
jwglista OP
206 posts
 
Well I took the amp apart and noticed an area of smoke build up on the top of the cover right above a big capacitor (there are 2 of these in the amp, I'm assuming one is for each channel). I don't know much about electronics so I don't know if it would be worth my time to try and fix this. I also don't know if a burned out capacitor would explain why the amp plays all sound from all inputs at the same time, regardless of which input is selected. That sounds like something in the preamp got fried too....
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