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SAE Mark XXX

taineasy

Well-Known Member
I have an SAE XXX preamp that has a slight sizzling/crackling sound on one channel and only on one channel. It is unaffected by the volume control and is constant and only noticeable when the volume from source is at dead zero. Yes the slider pots have been cleaned with Deoxit F5. This unit was recapped a few years ago with premium caps and other than the slight noise sounds and works great. Here's the catch. When I engage Tone Defeat the sound completely disappears and all is well. The first thing I guessed was a bad bass//treble slider but don't think that's the issue. When moving the tone sliders up/down the sizzle remains very constant. Yes I have reflowed all solder points. Any ideas?
 
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I have an SAE XXX preamp that has a slight sizzling/crackling sound on one channel and only on one channel. It is unaffected by the volume control and is constant and only noticeable when the volume from source is at dead zero. Yes the slider pots have been cleaned with Deoxit F5. This unit was recapped a few years ago with premium caps and other than the slight noise sounds and works great. Here's the catch. When I engage Tone Defeat the sound completely disappears and all is well. The first thing I guessed was a bad bass//treble slider but don't think that's the issue. When moving the tone sliders up/down the sizzle remains very constant. Yes I have reflowed all solder points. Any ideas?
If whoever recapped it didn’t replace any transistors, there’s your issue.
I replace all transistors on any American gear I work on (GAS, SAE, early Marantz, etc).
 
I will check schematics and get a list of transistors required and see if they are still available or can be cross referenced.
 
Might be a challenge finding the correct schematics as there at least different versions of the XXX. I have two and inside they are completely different and I have seen a third that was different again.
 
Just checked digikey and mouser but unfortunately none of the transistors in this unit are still available.
 
Just checked digikey and mouser but unfortunately none of the transistors in this unit are still available.
Well it’s 50 years old, of course they won’t be! You have to do a little legwork…..
Here’s my thread;
 
This should be easy. Numbers printed right on the circuit board which SAE did do. All we need are the numbers you have on yours.
 
BC239C is NLS, BC307B may be a few around, 2n4250 is NLS, 2n5307 may be a few around, SE4010 is NLS,
Well it’s 50 years old, of course they won’t be! You have to do a little legwork…..
Here’s my thread;
I will have to tear it down somewhat to read the numbers as my inside pcb boards and layout is nothing like those in the photos. My main boards are mounted vertically not horizontally.
 
This is what I used in the last Mark 1B I re-did.
2N4250 I used PN4250A
SE4010 I used 2N5210
2N5307 I used 2N5307 / I've heard the 2N5308 is supposed to work ?
BC239C I used BC550C, in the past I've used BC546
BC307B In the past I've used BC556
There are others you can use that will also work just fine.
 
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This is the second one of this type I've seen. I also have a rack model that has a different layout to yours and the one I posted photos of. I have seen at least two that have the same layout as yours. There are definitely 3 versions of this preamp. Will send serial number when I get a chance.
 
Serial number of this unit is 301863, which is the highest serial numbered XXX out of a dozen or so that I have had. Unless their serial numbers go backwards this would be the newest/latest one I have seen or the oldest.
 
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We have a good source for vintage components locally. 2n4250 is available in bulk locally, SE4010 available in bulk locally, 2n5307 available in bulk, 2n3055 available in bulk. Looks like I get everything I need.
 
I have a pile of parts for the XXX here. Sending some photos of version with mechanical switches and diff. power switch than others.
 

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