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Help with Kenwood KA-801

Theo A

Theo A

Active Member
Hey everyone,
I picked up a vintage kenwood from the late 70s today. I was told that one or both of the channels comes in and out, and there is a “crackling” when they touch the controls. Easy fix, I thought, so I cleaned all switches and pots with dexoit. The problem is still there though, so I’m wondering how I should attack this in terms of new transistors, as I am assuming that is most likely the problem. Any help would be appreciated
 
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Had similar problems with a KA-701 and a KA-801. Cracked solder joints it was.
The transistors especially, with all of the thermo cycles, crack their solder joints... Found them with a good magnifing lamp.
 
turboyam said:
Had similar problems with a KA-701 and a KA-801. Cracked solder joints it was.
The transistors especially, with all of the thermo cycles, crack their solder joints... Found them with a good magnifing lamp.
Click to expand...
I got the preamp board out finally... I’ll touch up on everything and see if the problem persists
 
Don't re-solder opamps, small transistors, and small diodes unless the solder joint(s) looks bad. Too much heat, or heating for too long, can damage them. Especially, keep soldering iron heat away from polystyrene caps, they are very heat sensitive.

In general, it is best to do very close inspection and re-solder only suspicions looking joints. And for any joints that you do work on, remove all old solder, clean the joint, then re-solder. Don't just heat up what is there and call it good.

good luck fixing your Kenwood :)
 
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