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Realistic SA 100C, TM 100 restoration

typesix said:
I've got a 100B that hisses, does anyone's 100 have that hiss?
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Not a 100 but my STA-85 developed a hiss at one point and it turned out to be a bad electrolytic cap in the power supply (in the regulator section IIRC). A general replacement of all of the electrolytics might help. There are other possibilities of course but a recap would be a good idea on units this age anyway and not expensive so you might want to just do it and see if it helps.
 
Ok Gsaudio, you got your wish! Since it is taking so long to get my caps I went to RS and bought a new power cap - exact replacement, 1000mfd @ 35V (no higher voltage versions available).

Will do the changeout late tonight or tomorrow.
 
Neat thread. Looking forward to the rest. And what a great "cute" combo. I'd love to have that in my office at work.
 
Yes, quite amazing Mike. It makes for a very personal experience and heightens focus on the art we all listen to.
 
Ok the new power cap is in. This feels like a step back almost. :(

Much smaller than the old one, even though it is the same value.

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I have relocated my operation for the time being and dont have the cables to connect my iPod. It will be supplying tunes for Independence day so maybe I can get some [sort of] extended listening time with it.

Right now it powers on without fuss so I think I have the polarity right ;)
 
I hear ya, things get small makes me wonder as well, but it is at least a real brand of cap, not some funky name.Heck a 2000 mfd just to add some size factor, lol.
That amp will probably easily go another ten years, cool !!!
 
Cool thread. I have a Realistic SA-10 integrated amp that sounds pretty good (but only at low volume). The volume pots are only slightly scratchy.

I made up some modest speaker cables with male RCA plugs to use with the RCA speaker connectors.
 
It definitely feels like 5w too. Been letting it play with a pair of [relatively] hungry B&O BeoVox 2600s. Playing some rumbly tracks reveal some troubled transients at roughly 1/3 volume.

Already noticed a difference with that new capacitor too. Not in terms of sound, but with powering the unit off. There is much less sound coming through the speakers after I shut off the unit.
 
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One thing I noticed is on some high end components, they put effort into matching the most important parts that effect SQ. Someone more knowlageable than I would know which parts these are. It stands to reason the closer I can get the sound between channels, the more likely it is I'll get a better soundstage and more stable imaging. Two of the hallmarks to a very good amp. Also using lower tolarence parts might improve the sound too.
 
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evman140 said:
It definitely feels like 5w too. Been letting it play with a pair of [relatively] hungry B&O BeoVox 2600s. Playing some rumbly tracks reveal some troubled transients at roughly 1/3 volume.

Already noticed a difference with that new capacitor too. Not in terms of sound, but with powering the unit off. There is much less sound coming through the speakers after I shut off the unit.
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Bothers me, the only thing it can point to is that dang new cap, get a 4700, then you know it will certainly have enough filtering. (and reserve supply)
 
charles 1973 said:
One thing I noticed is on some high end components, they put effort into matching the most important parts that effect SQ. Someone more knowlageable than I would know which parts these are. It stands to reason the closer I can get the sound between channels, the more likely it is I'll get a better soundstage and more stable imaging. Two of the hallmarks to a very good amp. Also using lower tolarence parts might improve the sound too.
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I picked out some of what I think are well regarded components (Nichicon caps) that will hopefully just refresh the sound and restore the full range. This unit has precisely no adjustment internally, so it can only be so good. I'm not going to be overly critical with this amp - it will be playing quiet tunes in an dorm when I'm studying off at school this fall.

I do agree with you, soundstage/image is very important! :)
 
Great job Evan. This great practice should you ever decide to modify/repair higher end component.

I love vintage RS Stuff, My 1979 STA-7 10 wcp reciever has been in my kitchen with the matching Minimus 7 Speakers since day one and still sounds fine with the EQ on. It is calibrated specifically for those speakers. Even the Phono stage works fine.
 
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