• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

SX-550 Low volume right channel - Tone Amp

triplegee77

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
So working on an SX-550 with low right channel volume and made a rookie mistake, didn't check balance function before I cleaned and recapped, so I don’t know if the issue was existing. All pots and switches have been cleaned multiple times with Deoxit. I took the input selector and power/speaker selector switches off of the board so I could get to both sides, and disassembled and cleaned the power switch contacts. (PS - I only have general electronics training (1986) and primarily on 8080 PC circuit boards, so I am rusty and new to audio circuits). Check most all TP voltages. So I started comparing left and right channel voltages through the circuit paths (assuming I am following the schematics properly). Speaker outputs: L 16mV, R 21mV. All voltages on AF Muting board were correct. Got to the Tone Amp and find voltages in the right channel significantly off. So I am asking for some direction on where to look from here. Below are the voltages. Prior to this testing, the electrolytics were all replaced with Nichicon and Wima. I verified values and polarity. I had replaced Q14, Q15, Q16 and Q17 and found I had Q17 mis-oriented, so I had to remove it and resolder - not sure if I might have damaged it? Q14 and Q15 are 992's and Q16 and Q17 are 1845's (all parts were from a kit I ordered from Marblehead Audio). I should have some more 992's and 1845's here today, so I can replace if needed. Appreciate any guidance.

Update - Q15 and Q17 both tested good with DMM. I measured voltage at base of Q14 = 0.035v; at base of Q15 = -6.95v.

Update 2 - compared resistance of R and L pots on the volume and values matched throughout the range. On the balance, at center detent, I had continuity through to both channels.

SX-550 Tone Amp.jpg
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
Back
Top Bottom