Crackling on new (used) Marantz AVR

[Michael Wall]

I recently purchased a used Marantz SR5011 from a 3rd party seller. The unit appeared to be in good, clean condition and the seller agreed to fully refund if I had any issues. I immediately set up the receiver when I got home and noticed that the front left speaker is crackly/fuzzy. I am running Martin Logan Motion 20's and did not have issues with my previous AVR. The fuzzy/crackling noise is only present when I am playing music, otherwise, there doesn't appear to be any interference/buzzing when the speakers are idle.

The issue appears to only come from the front left output on the AVR. I tried swapping speakers, replacing the cable, moving speakers and other electronic sources away from the AVR, and did a factory reset. None of this stopped the crackling, and it only comes out of the speaker plugged into the left front output. I am wondering if there is anything else I can do to try to remedy the issue myself or if it would need to be professionally repaired. I got the receiver for a good price and would like to keep it if possible, but not if it involves a costly repair. I will be returning the AVR to the seller in a few days if the issue persists.

 

[whoaru99]

Damn hard to say. You've checked the speaker wire connections at the receiver? The terminals are pretty close on many of them. No loose strands touching?

Problem is, as I see it, you start messing around with stuff inside and it still doesn't work out then the seller may feel no more obligation since you messed with it.

Personally, if you have doubts/second thoughts I'd probably return it. If you have to bring it in to a shop you could be looking at $100 or more, if they even work on AVRs. Would it still be a good deal if you had to put a couple hundred into it?

 

[Michael Wall]

Damn hard to say. You've checked the speaker wire connections at the receiver? The terminals are pretty close on many of them. No loose strands touching?

Problem is, as I see it, you start messing around with stuff inside and it still doesn't work out then the seller may feel no more obligation since you messed with it.

Personally, if you have doubts/second thoughts I'd probably return it. If you have to bring it in to a shop you could be looking at $100 or more, if they even work on AVRs. Would it still be a good deal if you had to put a couple hundred into it?

I opened it up last night and the internal components were much dustier than I realized. I'll try cleaning out the inside with compressed air today and see if that changes anything. All of the connections appear to be in good order at the receiver, at least externally. I will take a closer look tonight but it is looking like I will have to return the amplifier or ask for some money back to pay for a repair.