LotusFool
Well-Known Member
Last year I sent my C33 to Audio Classics for repair of the phono stage. A loud hum could be heard on one channel when the volume on the C33 was cranked to the 2 O'clock position. I can't play the TT that loud. At 11 O'clock is really loud and is as high as I go, but I mistakenly had the volume up that high which is how I discovered it. I figure if the hum is auditable at high levels, it's there as well when played at normal listening levels and degrading the sound (although I can't hear/ detect it) at normal levels.
When I got the C33 back the hum was gone. They replaced one of the IC's in the phono stage, but some mistake was made because I discovered the TT played on all mode functions. If the TT was playing and I switched to tape 1, or aux, or any other functions the TT was still present. It was kind of amusing because I could play and hear the TT and the CD player at the same and hear both. To his credit, Ryan sent me a pre-paid shipper and I returned the C33 where that was repaired at no charge.
A few nights ago the dreaded hum returned. I reversed the wires from the TT and the hum stayed on the same channel, so it's not the TT. I reversed the IC's from the pre-amp to the amp and the hum changed sides. It's definitely the pre-amp. I need to have the volume cranked to hear it (2 O'clock). When I turn the function switch to Aux or Tape 1 or Tape 2 the hum goes silent, so I know it is the phono stage again.
I could and I might send it back to AC, or to Terry (which is becoming more appealing to me, because AC has had two shots at it, and it still hums) but I'm also thinking about just forgetting the phono stage on the C33 and getting a stand alone phono stage that works and is new. Some tech I was talking to last year said the phono stage on the C33 is very good, and would cost $1000 to better.
And so I ask you McIntosh folks what would you do? Is the phono stage on the C33 worth another repair? So far I believe I have $600 in repair's and it still hums. I'm questioning the wisdom of what could be another $400 repair bill and then it would be $1,000 into the thing. The other thing worth considering is; I listen to my system every night. Having the pre-amp out of the house for another repair for another 40 days is quite painful. Kind of like having your only car in the shop for a month.
Right now I'm completely discouraged and my gut tells me to give up on the C33. I would also be appreciative for any phono stage recommendations. Something that sound just as good or even better than the C33.
Many thanks,
Gary
When I got the C33 back the hum was gone. They replaced one of the IC's in the phono stage, but some mistake was made because I discovered the TT played on all mode functions. If the TT was playing and I switched to tape 1, or aux, or any other functions the TT was still present. It was kind of amusing because I could play and hear the TT and the CD player at the same and hear both. To his credit, Ryan sent me a pre-paid shipper and I returned the C33 where that was repaired at no charge.
A few nights ago the dreaded hum returned. I reversed the wires from the TT and the hum stayed on the same channel, so it's not the TT. I reversed the IC's from the pre-amp to the amp and the hum changed sides. It's definitely the pre-amp. I need to have the volume cranked to hear it (2 O'clock). When I turn the function switch to Aux or Tape 1 or Tape 2 the hum goes silent, so I know it is the phono stage again.
I could and I might send it back to AC, or to Terry (which is becoming more appealing to me, because AC has had two shots at it, and it still hums) but I'm also thinking about just forgetting the phono stage on the C33 and getting a stand alone phono stage that works and is new. Some tech I was talking to last year said the phono stage on the C33 is very good, and would cost $1000 to better.
And so I ask you McIntosh folks what would you do? Is the phono stage on the C33 worth another repair? So far I believe I have $600 in repair's and it still hums. I'm questioning the wisdom of what could be another $400 repair bill and then it would be $1,000 into the thing. The other thing worth considering is; I listen to my system every night. Having the pre-amp out of the house for another repair for another 40 days is quite painful. Kind of like having your only car in the shop for a month.
Right now I'm completely discouraged and my gut tells me to give up on the C33. I would also be appreciative for any phono stage recommendations. Something that sound just as good or even better than the C33.
Many thanks,
Gary