Pioneer SX - 980 Left Side Cuts out / Scratchy

[JT JamFan]

Hello Everyone. I have been on the forums reading as many that are related to this unit, but have not found the exact issue in past threads.

This is a hand me down unit and has been doing really well for me besides a newly recurring issue: The left channel gets scratchy and drops out (like it's being muted) usually after the first 2 or 3 songs. If i reach behind it and unplug then replug the rca cables for the turntable it gets better. I checked for the same issue with the radio and had the same issues. I used speaker a and then changed to speaker b. I went from phono 1 to phono 2, always with the same result. It works for a bit, then the volume gets scratchy on the left side, then starts to drop out. by punching the source button to aux then back to phono it might increase momentarily, then drops again.

A lot of the information i have read on this forum has gone over my head, but i ordered a deOxit kit for about 30 bucks and i am willing to learn if this is something that i might be able to fix on my own.

Thanks in advance!

 

[SimplerTimes]

First off, welcome to AK! You will find many knowledgeable people here to help you with any question audio related.
That said, my first bit of advice would be to read this sticky on using Deoxit:
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/the-idiots-guide-to-using-deoxit-revisited.207005/
Then thoroughly clean all of the rotating pots and push buttons on the receiver. You will have to at a minimum pull the cover and most likely the faceplate in order to gain access to them. I am not familiar so much with the 980, but I do have a 950, which is similar. If you have even a modicum of mechanical aptitude, then it shouldn’t be too difficult. Most issues that you are describing can usually be solved first with Deoxit.

 

[Bret Fritch]

Having the same type issue on my SX-980. I did the initial cleaning by pulling the 2 boards with all the controls out and spraying them with deoxit and turning and/or flipping the switches. I now have sound out of the left channel but way weaker then the right. I am going to now de-solder the switches and open them up to clean inside. I will take some pictures so I can pass on to you if this works.

I did plug a receiver pre-outs into the main inputs on the SX-980 to verify the amp section is good and it is, so at least I know it is in the pre-amp side of this unit.