Fix It? Replace It? Modify It??

[audiofile]

For the second time my Elemental Designs A5-350 amp (500W @ 4 ohms) won't power on and of course I can't send it off to eD for repair nor do I think I need to (or based on my last experience, want to!).

I'm thinking my choices are to fix it locally (I found a good shop who can do it), replace the entire subwoofer (not something I really want to do) or modify the amp and figure out how to use an XPA-1 to power it and bypass the internal amp.

I think the local repair would be the most logical.

I do not want to replace the whole subwoofer. I like how this thing sounds, when it works.

Adding another XPA-1 to the rack can be done and adding a few more cables to run to the amp is not a big issue.

Thoughts?

[carlp336]

if it were me... seal hole with mdf and refinish cabinet and get a plate amp for PE or an external unit..

[audiofile]

Yeah, one of my thoughts exactly!

[carlp336]

ed did have good cabinets and good drivers. their short comings were in the business management and plate amps..

[audiofile]

True. Last time I pulled it out I noticed some very cheap connections and conductor used. I might play with that a bit before I take it to a shop.

[flamingeye]

other people have had good results sending it in to reputable repair shops , like the guy at AVS (daveds50) on the Official Elemental Designs Subwoofer Thread , he charges $45 to $50 plus shipping depending on how much repair is needed