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Creek 5350 SE, Channel Dropout

I have a Creek 5350 SE Integrated Amplifier that has served me incredibly well for over a decade in my modest Bedroom system. However; I'm now experiencing intermittant channel dropout more and more frequently. Making it difficult to pinpoint is the fact that it can happen in either channel at different times with various source signals (TV, Cds, FM, DVDs). The sound at first crackles, distorts and then stops completely until I rap the unit with my knuckle for a moment and then, sometimes, the sound returns as it should (or not). I want to save my knuckles and spare the amp. I've eliminated all of the external possibilities such as interconnects, speaker cables and other components. I'm sure it's the amplifier in some way.

I found a thread here on Audiogon that identifies a possible problem with the ribbon cable wiring inside the amplifier? A suggested possible solution was to substitute the ribbon cable with point to point wiring instead.

As an experienced former lab tech, I believe I'm capable of performing this mod if it's a good idea?

MY QUESTION: Can anyone reccomend a high quality wire, solder and source for these items to use in this mod that would replace the ribbon cable?

Any additional experience you can share regarding this complaint would be most appreciated. I really love this amp and would gladly go the distance to make it last another 10 years or more.

I thank you in advance for your wisdom and experience.

Very Sincerely,

REL2

PS Does anyone have a schematic for this unit? I can't find one anywhere.
rel2
rel2 OP
68 posts
 
Creek responded to my request by confirming that it's a tarnish issue on the ribbon connector pins joining the pre-amp to the volume control PCB and power amplifier PCB. They suggested connecting/dis-connecting these connections several times to wipe the contact surfaces clean. I did this and followed up with a thin coating of Pro Gold on the pins before buttoning it all up.

First off, the repair worked superbly.

Secondly, the system sounded better than I had ever heard it before. I can think of several possible reasons for this but rather than try to analyze the "Why" of it, I'm simply basking in the wonderful outcome of this interesting odyssey. I listened to it for about 12 hours today and simply marvel at the improvement.

Thank you again to all of you who shared your thoughts with me on this question.

REL2
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,377 posts
 
Great news! Enjoy.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Talk about excellant customer support;good to see someone knows how to support their products old and new.
msratty
18 posts
 
It's a common problem with the amp. I'm glad it worked with your amp. It didn't with mine. I tried doing what you did many times over, to no effect. I had to have mine hand wired, and it does sound better than it ever did. Good luck with yours.
msratty
18 posts
 
Sometimes the problem is not just corrosion. Apparently, either the connection between the pins and the sockets works loose over time, or there is some defect in the ribbon cable itself. I shipped the amp to LA several times for repairs and had the ribbon replaced to no avail. So did other owners of the amp, without success. In any event, I hope Creek's solution works for you. But if one channel or the other starts to drop out again...
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