My Advent Baby IIs are misbehaving

[mike_drop]

Forgot the pic

 

[toxcrusadr]

I haven't used that particular product. After a plain Deoxit spritz and drying, a little Faderlube for pots and Gold for switches, but it takes me years to use up a can so I haven't had to look at their offerings lately.

 

[BigElCat]

Ditto on what Tox said.

The protector spray couldn't hurt. My pockets aren't deep enough to try it at the present time.

I have D-5 and F-5 on the shelf.

 

[gtv2000]

I haven't looked it up, but some Marantz models have internal jumpers for the Pre-out to Main in connection. If yours has no external connections between these jacks on the back you could have flaky connections there as well. If you have a spare set of RCA cables you could try putting them in there to see if that solves the issue.

 

[spark1]

Follow the methodical approach I took the time to spell out in earlier posts, above.

 

[mike_drop]

I too suspect your Marantz as the problem. First step is to confirm this.

To do that, choose a source other than the DAC (which I assume is plugged into your AUX input on the Marantz). Does the left channel still have problems when using the tuner (the radio portion of the receiver). How about when using the turntable?

And does it happen ONLY when running the two pairs of speakers at the same time? Run just A, then just B. Does the problem occur in both cases?

If the problem persists on different sources, and when running just A, just B, and then A/B together, it's definitely the receiver causing the problem.

As an aside....while speaker power ratings are not very useful, impedance ratings are. The Baby IIs have a nominal impedance of 6 ohms, and can drop down to nearly 4 ohms at some frequencies. Without getting into the details, your Marantz is not really designed to accommodate a load much below 4 ohms for extended operation. Two pairs of 6 ohm speakers = 3 ohms, and that's at their nominal rating. Actual impedance will go below that at some points. Personally, I would not run both pairs simultaneously....others may feel otherwise.

Once you confirm it is the receiver, you can decide which way to go (that is, try to address the problem yourself, with help from AK experts, or take it/send it to be repaired). AK folks can probably help steer you to a good repair resource in your area. Where are you?

Thanks for the advice and for explaining the impedance and how it changes as you add more units to the equation. Like I mentioned earlier, I’d rather play it safe. The fella I bought the Dayton off of has 4 more and sold me the first one for $50(normally retails at $150 on parts express). Prob pick up another off him and have it run the second pair of BA2s. Thing The Dayton was surprising. Works like a champ and is currently my starter while the Marantz is on IR. Will be giving your advice a shot this weekend to get the Marantz back in the game.

 

[mike_drop]

You can run two pair of Baby Advents off that receiver, no problem.

You need to start with Deoxit cleaner on the Volume pot, Balance pot, tone controls and all switches and selectors.

This will probably fix it. If not let us know.

You have cool system. I like the way the iFi DAC looks with the Marantz.

Thanks, love the iFi so far . It is a little pricey but worth it long term. Been very happy with the reslults with my Spotify premium. Of course, nothing compares to a record on a good turntable, but the iFi is helping things sound as nice as possible while I build my record collection.

Already have a can of D5 and going to give everything a clean this weekend while I’m trying everything else everyone suggested. I haven’t seen any postings detailing D5 causing any harm, so seeing the PO did mention it’d never been serviced, it’s prob well over due. Picking up a can o’ air too. Might be a stupid question and cause uproar with some of you experts- but would something like this vacuum attachment be helpful for cleaning? I know just going in there with a normal attachment is a horrible idea, but this seems like it’d have gentle suction for those stubborn dust bunnies that won’t skip town... just curious- don’t shoot, guys! Haha

 

[mike_drop]

Just don't go crazy with volume using those 4 speakers.
Heck, if Ohms law was a real law, I'd be in prison for life for what I run together.

Haha I admire you gusto, champ, but Im too nervous. Running them in series might have potential like someone mentioned. But would like to know more about it before I try that option. I just got all this stuff! Can’t gamble with it after a few months! Haha

 

[mike_drop]

Heck yeah....run three pairs, even four. Fun will ensue.

Sarcasm noted haha.

 

[mike_drop]

Won't hurt, but I'm betting against it in this case.

Still, the OP would benefit from trying to determine if any pots (volume, balance, etc) or switches are causing the problem, once he confirms that is not the DAC.

He could do this by giving them a very rigorous workout (with power OFF), the power up the receiver and see if the problem gets even momentarily resolved by turning/pressing any knobs/switches. Press tape monitor in/out/in/out, etc...same for all other switches. Move the balance and tone controls back and forth. Turn volume up and down, up and down.

If no change, it's probably not a pot or switch. If there is even momentary relief, then buying a can of Deoxit and reading the Deoxit for Idiots thread are certainly the next steps. .

OP should also pull out the preamp out/main amp in jumpers and clean them, then work them in and out a few times before putting them back in place.

Once he does all this, we can take the next steps in isolating the problem.

Sound advice re: the workouts. I actually tried some ofl that when the issue first started. I had read about how you should check the pots when purchasing used gear- which the gentleman demo’d for me(maybe he knew the old birds sweet spots, I dunno) but at the time of purchase they all moved smooth and without issue. I worked the volume, selector switch, and balance pretty good and no results- though the problem comes and goes on its own as I mentioned. Not necessarily only a result of working the knobs/switches/buttons. I haven’t tried ALL the knobs and buttons though, so I’ll be sure to this weekend.

 

[mike_drop]

I haven't looked it up, but some Marantz models have internal jumpers for the Pre-out to Main in connection. If yours has no external connections between these jacks on the back you could have flaky connections there as well. If you have a spare set of RCA cables you could try putting them in there to see if that solves the issue.

Dis da’ guy? Clearly external, but could this still be something to consider as the source of the issue?

 

[mike_drop]

Nice amp cool lamp take it off the amp stop giving it the heat gun it's not good for the magic components inside it.
Don't ask me how i know this is bad,, I still have a bag of tube lights for that bad boy someplace in my parts box..

Haha heat gun... cmon! Everyone hates the space man! Seriously folks, is he causing an issue on the wood portion of the wood frame on the Marantz??? If you guys seriously think it may cause an issue I’ll move him, but he isn’t touching an inch of the metal vent mesh, I swear. Nobody answered my question obout the album holder. That a bad idea also? Even thought the feet life it off the surface and allow airflow/clearance?

The stereo lamp on my receiver is out actually. PO was up front about it. Didn’t/doesn’t bother me enough to fix. I watched video on changing those out and dollars to donuts I’d wreck the paper in there and supposedly it’s tough to find. Please tell me a dead stereo bulb wouldn’t cause an issue...PLEASE! Lol

 

[mike_drop]

Dido on what Tox said.

The protector spray couldn't hurt. My pockets aren't deep enough to try it at the present time.

I have D-5 and F-5 on the shelf.

@BigElCat @toxcrusadr yeah I dunno, sounded like a good preservative/preventative measure. For $15 vs. a pricey service visit or-heaven forbid- having to replace the receiver, it’s worth the spend.

 

[mike_drop]

Let's not get overly exuberant.

The Baby II is a 6 ohm nominal speaker. Very possible that running two pairs in parallel can stress the amp and cause distortion. Does the Marantz require at least 8 ohms per pair if running both? It will say on the rear panel and in the manual. If so there's your answer. Especially if you're running any bass boost, loudness, or just on heavy bass tracks.

All that is assuming you don't have dirty controls or switches.

Unfortunately, the back didn’t detail anything about the ohm requirements, unless I’m missing something. Gonna check online for manual. Checking the back did bring new questions to mind. I didn’t realize the antenna folded out like this til accidentally moving it- also revealing this switch I didn’t know was there. What is the ideal position of the antenna and switch? Also noticing a chassis ground.. should I be grounding the receiver?

 

[mike_drop]

That 4-speaker load may have stressed the channel, particularly if you run at higher volume level. Do uncover the top of the amp - it needs to be able to let heat out! The one other "cheap" thing to try would be to lightly de-ox the volume pot and the tape monitor switch. Many older receivers get a little channel drop out off the tape monitor switch dirt - my HK 430 is like that. Good luck! The 2245 was my first receiver back in 1974, I have a soft spot for them.

Thanks! Yeah I kept reading all the positive reviews about this series of Marantz and decided I had to have it. Would like to one day try one or two other receivers out if money and space affords it. HK, Sansui, or maybe an early Pioneer or Scott?

 

[mike_drop]

Check your fuses.

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/marantz-2245-blowing-fuses.94118/

Spray the Tape Monitor and Loudness button contacts, too. These are in the signal path.

Will do. So weird, would have never thought some of these contacts would be in the signal path.

 

[mike_drop]

Spark1 hit the nail on the head, you can't run both pair of those speakers at the same time with that receiver, which is likely the cause of its demise. In addition, that thing on top of your receiver appears to be restricting the air flow. You should never place anything on top of a piece of gear with vents for cooling. Lastly, your speakers will sound a lot better when upright.

They do sound much better upright. Thank you. Who woulda knew. Saw some damn post on Instagram and thought it looked neat- not realizing it scrafices the sound. So many lessons learned...

 

[mike_drop]

Check your fuses.

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/marantz-2245-blowing-fuses.94118/

Spray the Tape Monitor and Loudness button contacts, too. These are in the signal path.

What I’m experiencing doesn’t quite sound like this case. His sounds like it’s dropping out completely, my issue is a faint drop in volume or possibly some sort of frequency range drop if that makes sense. Hard to explain being new to this...

 

[mike_drop]

The receiver was made in 1971.

I don't think we're out of line suggesting it's time to use some contact cleaner. We luv our deoxit here.

Once it's working again, wire the Baby Advents in series and use one set of speaker outputs (main OR remote).

The 2245 has a recommended load range of 4 to 16 ohms. Wiring them in series would bring you to 12 ohms nominally.

I seriously doubt you damaged the Marantz. The spaceman probably needs to find something else to warm his butt, though.

Pretty sure I mentioned earlier(seeing double after all these posts on my tiny phone screen) but ill be giving this a try! Series makes sense to lighten the load. Any risks to be aware of?

 

[mike_drop]

Problem appeared on left chan of Marantz 2245. Problem stayed on left channel after swapping speakers.

I have same issue with my Marantz 2240, one side "went bad" - have to screw aound with left/right balance and volume to get sound on that side.

Get receiver serviced.

Thanks! So what was the issue on yours when you had it serviced?