McIntosh C34V LDR suitable replacement - garbled right channel that gets better after a minute

[Goodguy309]

The original part number is 144179 so I'm finding it's a Vactrol Optocoupler VTL5C-9

Do I necessarily have to replace with the same? It's $36 and I only need one but that's the price I guess.

Has anyone else found a suitable replacement that is cheaper?

Given the preamp is 40 years old, it stands to reason both should be replaced.

I've already replace the muting transistors Q801 and 802.

 

[eiraved]

It appears these are available for less from Stomp Box Parts.

VTL5C9 - Vactrol/Optocoupler

Top Quality Parts for Guitar Effects Pedals and DIY Music Devices. Knobs, Pots, Switches, Kits, LEDs, Enclosures, Jacks, Wire, Resistors, Capacitors, Semiconductors

stompboxparts.com

 

[lbcgav]

I wouldn't replace unless it's gone bad. The source above is good, if you insist.

 

[Goodguy309]

I wouldn't replace unless it's gone bad. The source above is good, if you insist.

I haven't checked them out but it appears it's quite possibly the culprit because I've replaced the muting FETs with P1087 which are suppose to be the correct ones.

It's only the right channel giving issues.

I'll do the typical reflow the solder and check for resistance on the LDR.

 

[Goodguy309]

I do not do repairs for a living, in fact, long retired so I do one repair a year. This one happens to be on my own equipment and to be honest, I don't have the experience to experiment with replacement parts, so, I ask others.

I thank everyone who replied.

 

[lbcgav]

I do not do repairs for a living, in fact, long retired so I do one repair a year. This one happens to be on my own equipment and to be honest, I don't have the experience to experiment with replacement parts, so, I ask others.

I thank everyone who replied.

I'm right with you as far as my level of expertise, (and probably below you when it comes to electronic knowledge) but when it comes to replacing parts, I generally replace only those parts necessary for normal operation, unless the general consensus is to replace on-site. We're talking about pieces that are over 40 years old. There comes a point where prudence or personal circumstances comes into consideration. Only you can say whether it's worth changing certain components.