Question about cleaning an amp's dusty contacts


Dear Friends:

I have a YBA Integre DT amplifier that I would like to sell. The unit sounds wonderful, but you can hear a static-like sound whenever either the stepped volume knob or the source component selector knob is being turned. Once the volume is set or the source component selected, everything sounds perfectly normal.

Someone told me that dust had gotten into the contacts, and that all I needed to do was open up the unit and spray the respective parts with an electronic contact cleaner spray (sold at any Radio Shack).

Does that sound right?

I am afraid of doing something that could make matters worse (in other words: if it ain’t (truly, completely) broke, don’t fix it).

I have already tried to sell the unit twice before, for a very reasonable price, but I suspect that mentioning the problem is scaring away prospective buyers. I bought the unit knowing that it had this problem; others might not be as tolerant. Ethically speaking, I have to mention it.

Any advice would be most welcome.

Many thanks in advance for a reply.
bilingual_world
Yes your advice sounds right, you simply need to clean your contacts. If you are uncomfortable doing so any qualified tech at a local stereo shop can do it for you for a very modest fee. In fact you might be best served by finding a YBA dealer and giving the amp a thorough check up prior to sale. This will solve your problem and give both you and your prospective buyer a little peace of mind prior to your sale. Good luck!
Rat shack contact cleaner. You may not even need to open the top, you may be able to get enough down the shaft from the front. Also, sometimes just moving the control back and forth rapidly, several times in succession will do it. Neither would work on a digital control, tho.
This is a tough one. If I was a potential buyer I'd rather know the amps condition and take care of problem after purchase. The problem for you as seller is I would look for discount considering amps malady. Whichever way you go, full disclosure is best. Good luck with sale.