Advice on Adcom amp repair

R

rangertomcat

New Member
Just joined Audio Karma, but have been following some threads for a while now.
I finally figured out that my amplifier has a bad channel. After swapping out every other component- CD and DVD players, pre-amps, speakers, record players- all with their own suspect issues, I now have an ADCOM amp that needs repair (ideally) or replacement.

Any recommendations from this forum on direction? I bought the unit at the Soundwell in Berkeley CA, but have moved to DC, so would be interested in finding a repair type place on the east coast if possible.

Tom
 
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Ebc electronics (New Jersey) fixed my 585 amplifier - very professional and specialize in adcom repairs with a pretty quick turn around
(I have no affliation with them - they were very professional fixing mine)
 
There are a number of very very good technicians here at AK that charge very reasonable prices. Avionic repaired my Adcom pre-amp for me. There are certainly others (EchoWars, Terry Dewick, Merrylander) and some that might be closer to you. You may also want to check out Fred Longworth who I believe is an AK site sponsor http://www.repairaudio.com.
 
I'd probably send it to someone who posts here. Not me, I couldn't fix it.... but I'm sure several here could.
 
Thanks for the info!
It's an Adcom GFA 535. The right side channel is un amplified. I can get a weak FM radio signal out of it, but not much else in the way of power.
I'd be willing to send it out to someone here.
 
Did you check for blown fuses? When I got my Adcom it had a blown fuse in the left channel.

-Peter
 
There should be. The one in the back is for incoming AC. I have a 545 and it has at least 4 fuses, two on each channel board, that are only accessible by opening the top. Some amps (I don't know if Adcom does this) have an additional AC fuse soldered in series with the external fuse. Don't worry about this one. You should look at the fuses in each channel, usually you can see if they are blown. To be safe, gently remove each fuse and test it with a multimeter. If any one of the four fuses are blown, one of the channels won't work. While you're in there, look and smell for anything that might be fried. Fried components can sometimes be identified by looking at them, and will usually smell burnt, and look burnt or discolored. Also, vacuum out the amp if there is any dust.

All you need to do is remove the hex drive screws that hold on the top cover. If you are wary about opening the amp, just be ware that opening the cover won't hurt it, and you don't have to touch anything except the fuses.

Good luck!

-Peter

I believe the below picture is of a 535, just to get you oriented with the innards.
 

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Definitely check the fuses - easy fix if that's what it is. Just make sure you get the right replacement values.
 
If I take the hood off, and discover the fuse is blown, where do I buy fuses from ? radio shack? is there a retailer through AK that stocks replacement parts like this?
 
rangertomcat said:
where do I buy fuses from ?
Click to expand...

Any auto parts store, hardware store, or R/S should have what you need. Take the fuse with you (hoping the correct sized fuse was installed), and good luck! I have a 535. It's a fine sounding "little" amp.

Ken
 
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If you replace a fuse.Use the correct fuse.DON'T put a larger fuse in its place. ie. if it has a 2Amp fuse replace with a 2A fuse or further damage is highly probable.
 
OK- I'm going in.....Need to find a standard allenhead driver for the 2 screws up top.
Anytone know the correct OE fuse I should be looking for/replacing?
 
The amperage of the fuse is printed on the fuse 9.5 times out of 10.
 
If I remember right, the fuse values are also printed on the circuit board near the fuse holders.
 
Fuses sometimes look good even when they're not. Test them with a meter or swap the left to right(ensure they are the same value) and see if there is any change.
 
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