2. amps-preamps
  3. 1212816834

component problems driving me from the hobby?

I have had a very bad time of it for the last,almost two years,with varying little problems.Alot of new additions,that just continue to plague me with component failure.From amp to line conditioner/table/CD player,tonearm etc.It is almost surreal!

I have been at this for about fourty years,so I know what I'm doing,but this latest round may drive me from the hobby!Btw,I don't feel sorry for myself,but am disgusted!!
I am doing far too much diagnostics/schlepping,and way too little listening pleasure!!I've also spent alot of money lately,on the hobby.

Here's my question,and I really would appreciate some "thoughtful comments".....

My pre was in use playing my CD player and I noticed noise in the volume control when I moved it.This happened awhile ago,so I just blew some air into the contacts and circuitry with an air spray can.It cleared up,awhile ago,and somewhat tonight.

Yet,upon further play I still noticed some noise(like a static/dusty sound,when moving the volume control.I stopped CD play and ran a few click stops to hear it's effect....After five volume click stops(only around 9 or 10 o'clock on volume control,I got a POP sound,and the pre went dead!

I can't check out my analog,because I am awaiting a new arm,which had set up problems.

Thinking I am cursed,as of late,as I have a dedicated room/dedicated lines/superb line regeneration/line conditioners etc.

Any thoughts as to the cause of the pre failure?

Thanks so much...
sirspeedy
mechans
2,999 posts
 
Sorry about the threadjack, But why do we say "one off"? I think of it as a single - more or less custom- piece of gear. Why not call it a one of? As in one OF a kind? One Off sounds terrible what went off? did it fall off etc.?
jb0194
476 posts
 
Sirspeedy,

I can only add my hopes that you find a fast, cheap and lasting "fix".

I, too, have a huge investment in my music system. Relaxing to good music is a spiritual/emotional balm the likes of which I've not found elsewhere. I just went through a similar experience to yours waiting months for an expensive custom linestage to be built, only to find myself dealing with an ultimately unsolvable ground loop that even Jensen transformers couldn't cure. I'll lose $1000+ selling the linestage knowing it'll perform beautifully in someone else's home.

I did replace it with another design that now performs just as beautifully in my home. I am determined to dance with the gear I've got till the tires shred and the rims melt.

Think positively - you'll be back in that sweet spot before very long, I'm sure.
yoby
290 posts
 
Electronic equipment failure truly stresses me out (I work in the medical field). Whenever I run into this situation, either at work or at home, I have to make a concerted effort to FIRST calm myself. Then, I must take an empirical aproach to the problem. Analyzing from top to bottom each link in the chain. I've enjoyed your posts throughout the years. You'ved helped me. Best of luck.
mechans
2,999 posts
 
Actually my message to you is very simple keep a good backup system around when things go south. It won't make you feel like it's OK when gear fails but at least you will have music in your life.
I am fortunate as well thank goodness, and have really only gotten sick over CD transports crapping out as if they are supposed to do that. I can't stand it so you have my empathy. Sure I have had more than one amp fail at one point and it seems that every time I buy a Preamp on the cheap one channel is out. That is true except a couple I use now.
This hobby is a great one to be immersed in. I couldn't give it up if I tried. Perserverance is the word, and as Winston Churchill said "Never ever ever Quit." BTW he was wrong about anything he could enjoy being immoral, illegal or fatening. This hobby is none of those things.
Good luck it is likely on its way in your direction as a staistical probability it must.
sirspeedy OP
738 posts
 
Well,I am going to consider a successful ending,"if" it actually turns out to be a pre(now,looks that way)problem.

I will connect my CD player to the amp,"when I get some enthusiasm back".If that works(if not there are no tall buildings around-:)....and I hear music(forgot what it sounds like,for more than ten minutes)I will definitely use the opportunity to make it an "upgrade" experience.This would be gratifying.

I've flirted with upgrading my already highly modded pre/phonostage,by updating to Teflon caps,and a few other tid-bits,but if things "do" go my way,that direction could work out as a very worthy situation,in the end......

If there ever is an end!

Btw,thanks for the "much appreciated" support.Not really too distressed,which is a testament to two glasses of nice Shiraz!

Best
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