Pioneer SX-440 wonky power supply and distortion

Julian12345

Active Member
Hey team
I'm working on my friend's Pioneer SX-440 and trying to work out why I'm getting low voltages.
You can see in the attached doc I'm down on volts especially on pin 2 that should be 42v. Not sure why. I've tested the transistors on this board and are OK. I checked the diodes too and seem to check out OK but replaced them (the SD-1/SE-05 spec, not the Zener 1S337 though, I don't have one) with 1n4007's at any rate because I had some nearby and other's on other forums had done the same.
I have 35.7v at the filter capacitor.
Also recapped the PSU, filter and amp carefully.
Checked the outputs for shorts, and output trans tested well on diode mode in DMM
I checked all the transistors on the main amp board, tested OK. BUT if you suspect an issue send me back to dive deeper.
I'm not sure where to check idle current. I've put the DMM across emitter resistors but seem to get 0.02 ish volts on one channel and something like 0.3v on the other which seems whack. Both channels will distort at full volume but one of them is weaker and distorts much earlier, like half volume at best. Music via headphones sounds just fine, really good actually, even no balance issues and no distortion.
Radio works well
Would someone mind pointing out on the photo attached of the underside exactly where I should test for idle current? I think I have it wrong perhaps.
It's in really nice condition this unit so can't imagine it's totally whacked.
I know there's a lot of posts on this amp and I have read some of them but the PSU issue has prompted me to start this thread.
Thanks heaps!
Julian
 

Attachments

  • 415930605_325548899866399_4832775172710352284_n.jpg
    415930605_325548899866399_4832775172710352284_n.jpg
    53 KB · Views: 17
  • 415966596_304004282652614_3147976255514992343_n.jpg
    415966596_304004282652614_3147976255514992343_n.jpg
    124.7 KB · Views: 17
  • 415784539_1575642989838219_5142071695514814741_n.jpg
    415784539_1575642989838219_5142071695514814741_n.jpg
    112.7 KB · Views: 14
  • 415790584_1528085781069217_7177723700148466690_n.jpg
    415790584_1528085781069217_7177723700148466690_n.jpg
    71.3 KB · Views: 17
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
Input Voltage from Wall? If this is a multi voltage unit, what is the rotary set to???? If not set to 117V please do so. It may be set to 130v which will lower all voltages.
ScreenHunter 39.jpg

AC Voltage at pins 4 & 6 referenced to chassis ground.
AC Voltage across pins 4 & 6
Good possibility the Zener is suspect, which from your description you haven't replaced yet.

If needed replace the 2sc968 with 512-KSC2383YTA Good chance pin out WILL be Different.

Distortion from speakers, but not from headphones, is most likely from output transistors or emitter resistors if out pf spec. Lift one side of resistor to check. Headphones are low enough power that they run ok from the drivers. Zero out your ohmmeter (probes touching each other, measure result) then take your emitter resistor readings. Subtract the probe reading for an actual component reading.
 
Last edited:
Input Voltage from Wall? If this is a multi voltage unit, what is the rotary set to???? If not set to 117V please do so. It may be set to 130v which will lower all voltages.
View attachment 3108297

AC Voltage at pins 4 & 6 referenced to chassis ground.
AC Voltage across pins 4 & 6
Good possibility the Zener is suspect, which from your description you haven't replaced yet.

If needed replace the 2sc968 with 512-KSC2383YTA Good chance pin out WILL be Different.

Distortion from speakers, but not from headphones, is most likely from output transistors or emitter resistors if out pf spec. Lift one side of resistor to check. Headphones are low enough power that they run ok from the drivers. Zero out your ohmmeter (probes touching each other, measure result) then take your emitter resistor readings. Subtract the probe reading for an actual component reading.
Thanks @larryderouin
Roger that re Zener, I'll source replacement hopefully local Jaycar (radioshack-esk) store will have something. Is there a modern equivalent for that Zener? Would this work https://www.jaycar.com.au/12v-1n4742-1-watt-zener-diode/p/ZR1412 ?
I'm in Aus so position set to 240v
Actually about to go to sleep but took some fresh readings. I'll look at your emitter resistor part tomorrow night but here's readings from pins:
Dc
Pin 1 = 11.04v
Pin 2 = 35.62v
Pin 3 = 22.59v
Ac
Pin 4 = 27.07v
Pin 6 = 27.01v

What do you think?
Cheers will chat in 24 hours
 

Attachments

  • 20240204_235603.jpg
    20240204_235603.jpg
    85.8 KB · Views: 3
Last edited:
I replaced the Zener. No change.
Will carefully go over output stage per advice after work. Will report back
Cheers
 
Hi
Input Voltage from Wall? If this is a multi voltage unit, what is the rotary set to???? If not set to 117V please do so. It may be set to 130v which will lower all voltages.
View attachment 3108297

AC Voltage at pins 4 & 6 referenced to chassis ground.
AC Voltage across pins 4 & 6
Good possibility the Zener is suspect, which from your description you haven't replaced yet.

If needed replace the 2sc968 with 512-KSC2383YTA Good chance pin out WILL be Different.

Distortion from speakers, but not from headphones, is most likely from output transistors or emitter resistors if out pf spec. Lift one side of resistor to check. Headphones are low enough power that they run ok from the drivers. Zero out your ohmmeter (probes touching each other, measure result) then take your emitter resistor readings. Subtract the probe reading for an actual component reading.
Hi @larryderouin ,
I've tested all the emitter resistors out of circuit (because the first reading was strange). Also I confirmed my outlet voltage here is 241v (unit set to 240v)
Attached are some very varied resistor results + a control + voltage pic.
Some of the emitter resistors measured in the meg ohm range ... seems odd!? What do you think?
 

Attachments

  • 20240205_205638.jpg
    20240205_205638.jpg
    91.8 KB · Views: 9
  • 20240205_205554.jpg
    20240205_205554.jpg
    89.5 KB · Views: 9
  • 20240205_205504.jpg
    20240205_205504.jpg
    91.1 KB · Views: 9
  • 20240205_205125.jpg
    20240205_205125.jpg
    98.5 KB · Views: 9
  • 20240205_204602.jpg
    20240205_204602.jpg
    95.9 KB · Views: 8
  • 20240205_205523.jpg
    20240205_205523.jpg
    78.5 KB · Views: 9
Voltages are within 10%. Call it good.

Emitter resistors, replace all of them.
 
47 ohm is close enough. They can go wonky due to age, etc., but I usually replace them as a matter of course especially if the output transistors had been blown or damaged.
 
Thanks @larryderouin !! Replacing the emitter resistors worked!
Sounds great now
Will be handing back to my friend soon so he can continue to use it for many years :)
Thanks again, legend.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom