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Late 1970s Peavey CS-800 -- Write off?

CityWalk

CityWalk

New Member
Hello! This is my first post here on the forum so bear with me please.

A couple years back I inherited an old Peavey CS-800 amplifier from what I believe was manufactured in the late 1970s. It is a tank of an amplifier and I use it to power my home theater system. A few days ago, I was using the amplifier to listen to some music and I had to leave the house so I turned off the amplifier. When I returned and I turned on the amp, a VERY loud buzzing came out both of the speakers. I then turned off the amp and adjusted the knobs on the front, when I realized the knobs did nothing to alleviate the buzzing, I realized something was very wrong with the amp.

Using my limited knowledge of amplifier electronics, I took the cover off and tested each of the 10 (per channel) output transistors and they were in working tolerances. I know a failed transistor can sometimes be heard through the "good channel" when both channels share a common power supply, but all of the transistors were working.

When I disconnected the speakers from the amplifier all together, I noticed a slightly buzzing deeper within the amplifier that sounded like arcing of some sort and an accompanying smell of melting (NOT burning). Upon further inspection, I noticed no parts showed any signs of burning or overheating. I assumed the transformer may be arcing internally. I ceased using the amplifier after that.

My question is: Is it worth the time and money to try and repair the amplifier (myself or getting a professional)?

I would love to have the amplifier fixed and put back into use, but if it's a write off, I don't really want a 40lb amplifier sitting in my living room taking up space, not doing anything.

Hopefully this makes sense!
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
-CW
 
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Going by your description, it could be something related to the power supply, but without actually seeing or testing the amp myself, it could be anything. Most amps are repairable but depends on your level of expertise and if you are willing to tackle it by yourself or take it to a professional.
 
I would suspect something failed, like a cap. OWJ is right. Those things were bullet proof and thrived on abuse.
 
Those Cs800 have just a few parts. It shouldn't be hard to fix.

The best sounding amp I've heard powering my speakers was a CS800, so I'd definitely fix it.
 
Thanks for all of your responses! I will definitely look into getting it repaired. I don't know how financially viable it would be in the short term, but I know long term, it will outlast most other amps. I guess it just shows the build quality of these amps.

Again, thanks for your responses.
-CW
 
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