2. amps-preamps
  3. 1262483405

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
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...
msratty
18 posts
 
Btw, you can obtain a schematic from Creek.
derek87
3 posts
 
wow...the power of the web...i hope my issue is like REL2's and moreover is solved by me fiddling with the ribbon cable(s). REL2's problems are exactly what i have experienced recently. i first thought it was my speakers but after a bunch of random occurrences, i just last night came to appreciate that it was the Creek unit.

i however, somehow thought it was related to the input selector switch (it still may be) as it seems the problem happens when i switch sources...

time will tell, but i'm glad to have seen i'm not the only one with this problem and hopefully collective wisdom will mean a solution that doesn't involve buying a new amp!

(i too have had mine for almost a decade...bought it shortly after it came out in 2001)

Derek
rel2 OP
68 posts
 
The problem has returned. It is definitely a faulty Input Selector Switch. I'll purchase one from Roy Hall, install it and report back. I think now that this has been the problem all along. Incidentally, I tried cleaning that pot (all of the pots) while I had the amp opened up for the ribbon. It's possible that I wasn't able to effectively clean it but my current conclusion is that it's simply mechanically/electrically faulty. I'll post back what I find. It may be a month or more before this comes to a conclusion on my end, I have a lot going on right now and little time to address this.

Rob
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