C32 ribbon problem

[catama]

Recently purchased a C32 to mate with my MC240. So far the combination is exceptional and I am enjoying the hell out my system.

Now I hear the C32 may have issues with ribbon connectors. I haven’t noticed anything untoward with the C32. What are the symptoms if the ribbon connectors fail? What should I be looking for?

Thanks in advance.

 

[62caddy]

Ribbon cables in the C32 are for the audio switching circuitry only and do not pass audio signals. Can't say how what aspects of operation would be affected by cable failure but SQ shouldn't be one of them.

Replacement ribbon cable kit for C32 was being manufactured a while back. I think they're still available from Audio Classics.

 

[c_dk]

The ribbon cable are a solid insulated wire laminated together into strips.

They carry DC voltages to turn on relays that make/break the relays as the input selector chooses a source.

The solid wire connections seldom if ever cause a connection issue but as the two piece lamination seperates they can look ugly, especially if ham fisted while working on one of the boards.

Sooooooo they look ugly.

Now I have been bedeviled with some of the audio carrying molex pin connectors having a cracked solder joint where the pin is soldered into the board. Think pin #s 18 and 19.

That is why we always recommend reflowing all the molex pin connections on all the amps and preamps of that vintage.

 

[catama]

Thank you for the replies. So, if I understand your answers ( and I am not electrically saavy) I could have bad ribbon cables, but the preamp would still work?

 

[clinic-audio]

normally , yes

 

[catama]

Got it. Thank you!

 

[c_dk]

I think the better way to phrase it would be " you can have ugly peeling laminate ribbon cables which work correctly electronically and will have no reason to fail in the future."

Does drive the perfectionists crazy though......

 

[62caddy]

I've heard they can be reinforced with tape - carefully.