A cleaning

[Uncle Fester]

Been using a HK 330c since October, and I didn't do the usual cleaning and deoxit because it sounded ok and I was lazy.

A rather loud scratchy noise had developed using the volume knob, especially if it hadn't been used in a few days.

So, today being rainy, I pulled off the cover for a long overdue cleaning.

The boards/insides right below the grill openings were covered with years of dust, hair, fur, etc., but the other areas were pretty clean for a 70's era receiver.

At first I tried using a brush, then found I could just blow all the junk off with my lungs. Cleaned up nice, it did.

The pots all got the Deoxit shot and the "turn the knobs" treatment.

All I can say is, it sounds 100% better. I suppose any oxidation on those controls is bad.

 

[Blue Shadow]

I suppose any oxidation on those controls is bad.

The crap is at least 1 million times the size of an electron so a few of them can hold up a whole army of electrons.

It is recommended to unplug and reconnect your rig once a year to keep clean connections.

It is recommended to spin the controls full range on a regular basis to keep them clean, too. Folks report these steps make a difference sonically and when the controls get noisy anyway it is time for the technician in a can DeoxiT. Glad you receiver is sounding better. That really is a good sounding unit.

 

[8xlaxx]

I found that the 'Monitor' button on mine was a real issue. No matter how much effort I put into actuating the button and spraying it out with DeOxit, the audio would cut in and out for no apparent reason.

Ended up pulling the front panel to access the controls there. I cleaned and used CAIG Fader Lube for the job. The receiver works perfectly and is 100% now.

AFAIK, the controls and push buttons on this HK series are notorious for this issue. You are not alone.



...shameless pic....

 

[8xlaxx]

BTW, AK member @dlucy is the resident HK 330 guru and can provide useful info about mods, troubleshooting and repair if your's would need it.