Power Switch trouble - Lafayette LR5555

<moved from wrong forum>

Having a problem with the integrated speaker select/power switch on this LR5555. In both A and B positions, i need to 'lift' up on the knob slightly to get power until the tell-tale click of the amp. Otherwise, no power. A+B, A+C and C are dead. The only reliable connection without a 'lift' or wiggle on the knob is the headphone setting.

Ive done the typical: compressed air, electronics cleaner, de-oxit, check solder points carefully for any weak joints. Short of pulling the switch and replacing, anyone have suggestions what might be the problem ? bad connection, loose wire, worn switch ?

Further, if I need to replace, finding a parts-only lafayette or a switch from one is bound to be a problem. Can I cross match with a switch to another brand ? Several kenwood's nearby ($15-20), I think they have similar selector types if I am not mistaken. Its identical internally to a Setton RS440 I've read, if that helps identify.

I swear this thing is my nemesis, but I love it.....Its an a amazing unit and performs better than the stated 55w per channel. I did check with a local vintage repair guy, he doesnt think its value is worth repair (huh ?)....guess if its not Sansui, marantz and the like, it isnt worth repair to him...to each their own I guess.

Pics are attached if anyone has ideas for troubleshooting or what might match for the switch.

Thanks in advance.

A common problem with Lafayette receivers from that time.
Here's a thread regarding one fix....
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=504673&highlight=K7sparky

Common problem on all types of receivers that use the little Alps switch on the back of the speaker switch (Kenwood, Realistic, Pioneer, Lafayette etc). I just put in a relay to take the load off the switch contacts. The switch can handle the small load of a relay coil without arcing and going nuts, and the relay contacts do the heavy lifting and switch the power on.

Thanks for the replies. Is there a how-to somewhere on the relay install and what type of relay I'd look for ? I read the link in the other post, but the terminology is beyond me.

Dont know if there's a how-to anywhere, but it's just a basic relay installation. A small "ice cube" relay with a 110 volt coil, wire the power switch to energize the relay coil, wire the relay contacts to connect the power from the cord to the receiver's transformer when they close and that's about it. Relay contact ratings should be 5 amp or greater and the relay should be small enough to fit (hot glue, screwed or wire-tied) to the chassis. Would be a good idea to put a spark supressor across the relay contacts, you can probably use the old one from your existing switch (the little plastic box with the two wires coming from it wired across the old switch) but you'd be much better off getting a new one. It's pretty straightforward but you might try googling it and see if there's more info on it.

I believe Echowars posted pics & instructions for this at one point... might have been in the Pioneer forum, the SX-650 shares this same issue.

I have a post in another Setton thread on AK with part info for the relay I used but no pics or blow by blow on how to install it. Frankly my feeling is that anyone that can't figure out how to correctly wire a four terminal relay probably shouldn't me messing with 120VAC wiring int he first place. But, we all have to learn somewhere... look for his post if you aren't 100% sure what you're doing.

Plan to decarbon the switch first, too - otherwise the relay fix may not be 100% reliable as the switch can still fail just trying to trigger the relay. Jack has a tutorial for that on AK, look under Setton RS-660 power switch.

John

Thank you for the info. First time for me doing this, but Im willing to research and learn. Glad I know what to look for.

Best regards