Sony TAN-8250 transformer repair

hifi_addict

New Member
Hi all, my tech thinks the transformer on my TAN-8250 is shorting out on the primary.

I've taken the bottom plate off and it looks okay no burn marks or blown fuses.

I don't think he realised that it's a toroidal because it's in a box do you think it's something else ?

It was running sweet and then under normal load made a loud humming buzz noise so I turned it off and it wouldn't power up again completely dead.
 
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Transformer failure is fairly rare but not unheard of. That is in general, I don't know anything specifically about this model.

About this time I would be thinking to disconnect the secondary and check it without any load. If a symptom still exists, such as abnormally high current draw from a unloaded transformer, then it does tend to suggest it may be the transformer itself. If such a symptom goes away then it would seem the problem may be downstream of the transformer. But, I'd think a good tech should know that sort of thing...
 
He was pretty sure that it wasn't anything downstream that was the issue

My only worry is that I get the transformer repaired and he puts it back in and it goes again but thats the chance you take.

What would be good to know is what should he check first before reinstalling the fixed transformer ?
 
What would be good to know is what should he check first before reinstalling the fixed transformer ?
I would test it not connected to anything, after a primary resistance check, I would power it up via a DBT (or Variac), and check the secondary voltages. I think all of this could be done outside the unit. Which would be preferable to avoid any possible interaction from the unit voltage selector or the internal wiring of the unit.

If the above checks out OK it could be installed back in the unit, then a repeat of the above tests, and definitely no secondary connections until all of this checks out.

I am extremely cautious with stuff like this, maybe overly so, but that's just how I am. ;)
 
As everybody above says, I would say as well.

The hint of that you heart a serious humming buzz might indicate that the main buffer capacitor (that big black thingie with yellow top and 3 terminals) might have gone south while in action. If it did, it can have drawn so much current that various collateral damage is caused, such as overloaded rectifier diodes.

As far as I know those transformers have no internal fuse; the standard for double fault protection came in force late 70's only (resulting into embedded thermal fuses inside the transformer) . There are only external fuses on the primary site. Which in a case of capacitor failure is unfortunate: a short in the power supply section might fry a secondary winding inside the transformer. As we often say: the components are there to protect the fuse. So the primary fuses can still be fine.

Hence, disconnect the secondary wires and measure if they still have continuity, or dead short.
And of course the same thing for the primary side.
Check if both primary fuses are fine.
Then power up with the secondaries still disconnected, preferably with the variac or DBT as the gents say. Can do without, the fuses will blow on the primary site if there is a short on the secondary site before your home goes dark

Those 2-in-1 main power supply capacitors in those Sony series are prone to failing after 45+ years.
Check carefully for leakage traces.
Have your tech measure the capacitance and ESR

Check the main rectifier diodes: still having a forward voltage drop of 0.5~0.55V, and zero leakage in reverse (diode tester should mention open loop or same value when nothing connected to it) ?

Transformer shipping can do if you really want, but expensive and quite some delays during this holiday season.
 
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Looking at the schematic, there are more parts which can be faulty, like the two 5P2M SCRs, and perhaps a smaller component in that regulator section might have started the whole event. So I would definitely check any component in the regulator section.
 
Thanks Oilmaster can I send you the whole thing as you are obviously the master and know what you're doing

Take your time theres no rush .... I have another one so I'm fine with just 1 as long as I can have 2 mono blocks later !!
 
are there another 2 fuses inside the amp by the rear panel .... I can't see any ?
After looking at the schematic I have to say that it's certainly a nice piece of work and well worth bringing back from the dead if possible. Looks like you're in good hands now and maybe there's hope!
 
Thanks for the schematics yeah I know a guy who said he would test the transformer for me to make sure :)

It's a nice amp 150w per in 2 channel but 500w mono block

and I did have 2 of them until recently
 
No he's a very nice guy in Yorkshire who is a Sony vFet expert and an electrical engineer - I sold him my TA-8650 and became friends

I messaged Oilmaster the other day and he certainly knows his stuff I did ask him if I could send him the whole amp to repair but he hasn't replied yet !!

No it was in 2 channel mode as one of the 8250's was being serviced by a tech as it was making a humming noise and still is a bit I need to return it to him

Having 1 is fine I'm good with that it's just gutting after finding 2 of these very rare amps that I'm back down to 1 again
 
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