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Electrocompaniet

scottonnob

scottonnob

Scott Palmer
Okay, I've inherited, at no cost, a pristine, vintage, Electrocompaniet amplifier. However, I was told there is a hum in one channel and that an estimate of $500 for the repair had been given by someone. Unfortunately, that is all I know, and the owner is no longer available to question. Anyway, it's been in a closet for a while and his wife just gave it to me. But I can't even figure out what specific model the unit is, much less its vintage. There are no markings, other than the manufacturer's name. So I'm not confident about where to begin diagnosis. I haven't even powered it on yet. I've downloaded all available schematics. But, as I said, I still don't know what model it is. Can anyone give me some advise as to the best way to begin seeing what this amp might need? I have extensive test equipment, but I just have no knowledge of this unit, and I don't want to do a thing until I'm confident of my plan. Thanks, Scott
 

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I think that's a II (I have one) from what I've researched. You can see a restoration done here:

https://sorscha.org/Content/html/specials.html

My guess is one or more of the caps in front is going bad (assuming its just a hum). These are biased quite high relative to their heatsinking. Good news is that pretty much everything in there is still obtainable.
 
Looks like it has separate power supplies for each channel, so it is very possible one of the main filters has gone open. Not much other things cause hum unless it is a bad ground.
 
Thanks for the feedback and information. Of course, once I opened it up, it was obvious the thing had been worked on. I'm still unable to determine what has been done to it, as the chassis has been altered (for what reason, I have no idea, as I don't have internal photographs of any other units to compare with), leaving the plate that carries that transformer actually unattached to the unit. I don't get it. But the plan is to go ahead and start diagnosing what ever may be going on. But clearly, the thing has undergone a complete rebuild. All the transistors have been changed out, and some caps have been replaced. In the attached photograph, you can see the hole someone drilled in the plate. It's right next to the switch arm. It is repeated in the bottom of the external chassis, without threads anywhere. And the holes were definitely either drilled or enlarged by someone outside the factory. They are still rough around the edges, without any countersink or cleanup. Additionally, the holes in the plate are much larger than the holes in the chassis. I don't get it. It's as though it isn't even the original plate. Bizarre.
 

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Hey FootFungus — the link you supplied is great! Thanks. I'm going to keep it handy for future reference. The site refers to a pdf that I'm unable to find. Pardon my ignorance, but is that your site? If not, do you know how can I reach him? Thanks, Scott
 
Thank the Lord I finally found out what model I have!
I inherited a stack of goodies from Dad. One Chanel is dead.
So looks like this is AWII. Serial number 83073.

Anyone repair theses or supply a kit.
 
Andy Kaz said:
Thank the Lord I finally found out what model I have!
I inherited a stack of goodies from Dad. One Chanel is dead.
So looks like this is AWII. Serial number 83073.

Anyone repair theses or supply a kit.
Click to expand...
These are "Send It Back To Electrocompaniet, credit card ready" Schematics are very unavailable outside the company.
 
Andy Kaz said:
Thank the Lord I finally found out what model I have!
I inherited a stack of goodies from Dad. One Chanel is dead.
So looks like this is AWII. Serial number 83073.

Anyone repair theses or supply a kit.
Click to expand...
I fixed my brother's @hopeless AW100 a while back, it's a pretty standard layout with solder joints subject to heat IIRC.
Sending it back to Santa's workshop is probably the best option,
 
I picked up an early pre(1A), repaired it, sounded very nice, a keeper for sure, sadly it's gone south again, no documentation...

Since one channel working you can compare voltage readings after doing the basics dc offset/failed outputs, psu health check...
 
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