2. amps-preamps
  3. 156074-15778

How bad is this?

Have enjoyed bullet proof, amazing performance from my First Sound Paramount SE preamp for years until a couple of weeks ago.  Heard a loud turn on thump when turning on amp (SA/1 monos) and then loud clicking/popping noise when turning left channel volume knob up or down.  Switched amp feeds and clicking/popping noise went to other speaker.  Finally, did a preamp feed to integrated with bypass (direct amp feed) and got the same clicking/popping noise.  Left channel of preamp still seems to play ok, but right channel is dead quiet when turning volume knob.  Would prefer to have this repaired locally (Atlanta area) if possible before boxing up and sending back to Emmanuel (think he is in California or New York).  Thanks for your time and help.

Mike    
dawkimi
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Sorry to hear. The local would have to be highly recommended and awfully good and a whole lot cheaper to be worth not sending it back to the maker. Emmanuel could probably fix in his sleep and with upgrades what anyone else would have to try and figure out.
facten
2,972 posts
 
First Sound is in the Brooklyn borough of NYC; given the impact of COVID there you should probably call to see if they are presently open for business
elliottbnewcombjr
5,952 posts
 
A spider crawled into the pot, got fried, thump, then debris in the pot, noisy.

Anything's possible, I would definitely do two things before I packed it up and sent it in:

1. remove covers, look carefully everywhere, any discoloration, trace of anything??? you can take photos of anything suspect to email to someone. you can take photos to show no problems/rule things out also. might help narrow down the problem.

2. contact cleaner/lubricant on all the volume controls/balance ...., all pots inside. Spray, rotate, spray, rotate, swish em full spin frequently.
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