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Post by frank95630 on Nov 25, 2015 19:52:33 GMT -5
Hi Friends,
I have an Ml-331 that I've loved for years. It has never ceased to impress me with it's smooth high end and natural mid-range. Unfortunately it now has a low-level hum in one of the channels. It didn't take much research to discover that old capacitors are a common problem with these amps (and presumably all old amps). I've validated that the hum is indeed coming from the amp by tuning off everything but the amp. The low level hum is still there in the left channel. The estimate to fix it seems to be about $1500 for new caps and freight charges to Southern California.
Does anyone have experience with the ML power amps that might be able to say if the XPR-2 would sound as smooth as the ML-331? Instead of figuring out how to ship the 100lb amp I'm considering buying a new one. I know the XPR-2 has a lot more power. I'm not necessarily looking for more power, I'm looking for a high quality sweet sound.
What would you do? Thoughts?
Thanks,
Frank
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Post by mshump on Nov 25, 2015 20:31:16 GMT -5
I have no idea if the XPR-2 would be as smooth, but I would see if you can find a more local shop for the cap replacement and save a few coins, if you like that amp that much.
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Post by dally on Nov 25, 2015 20:33:21 GMT -5
It's hard to say. If it were me I would order the XPR-2 and simply return it if I didn't like it. You'll be out the cost of shipping, but at least this way you'll have heard the XPR-2 and you'll know wich amplifier you like better.
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 25, 2015 20:47:25 GMT -5
Go to a local shop and see if they can fix your ML for less. It's a classic amp, and if you like the sound, there's no reason to change. That way, you save shipping, and can use the saved $$ to buy premium repair parts.
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Post by vneal on Nov 25, 2015 21:07:00 GMT -5
What state are you from
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Post by frank95630 on Nov 26, 2015 12:35:18 GMT -5
Go to a local shop and see if they can fix your ML for less. It's a classic amp, and if you like the sound, there's no reason to change. That way, you save shipping, and can use the saved $$ to buy premium repair parts. I called one that has a repair department. He says he can do it but sounded hesitant about being able to find the caps. I'll go in and talk to him in person. Thanks for the suggestion. |
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 26, 2015 12:57:06 GMT -5
The capacitors don't need to exactly match - particularly if they're power supply polarized electrolytics. New caps are far more compact for the same capacitance & voltage rating. To compensate, just get the same physical size and voltage as the original, but rated for more capacitance or (my preference) - get the same capacitance but rated for a higher voltage.
Should work fine.
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Post by frank95630 on Nov 26, 2015 12:57:09 GMT -5
California. Just outside of Sacramento. You got a tip for me?  Here's a couple more questions for the group: 1. Is the SA-250 a better sounding amp than the XPR-2? They both have the work "reference" in their description so I'm not sure how Dan and the others would describe the market positioning of the XPR-2 vs. the SA-250. 2. I feel a little guilty asking this question in this forum but there seems to be a lot of web chatter about the Odyssey line of amps. How do they compare? Does anyone have experience or knowledge of them? BTW: My use is more audio than video. I have a Sherbourn SR-120 as the front end to the ML-331 and even after 3 years haven't hooked up my rear speakers as I don't watch a lot of movies and haven't found a bracket I like. My speakers are NHT 3.3s that are still working great along with an NHT center channel. Thanks for any comments! Enjoy your turkey day. |
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 26, 2015 12:59:44 GMT -5
"Reference" is a marketing term with no technical meaning.
I've not heard the Odyssey amps, but they're well rated.
Were I you, I'd hang on to the ML. OTOH - If you want to sell it "as is," let me know first! LOL
Boom
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Post by frank95630 on Nov 26, 2015 13:06:22 GMT -5
The capacitors don't need to exactly match - particularly if they're power supply polarized electrolytics. New caps are far more compact for the same capacitance & voltage rating. To compensate, just get the same physical size and voltage as the original, but rated for more capacitance or (my preference) - get the same capacitance but rated for a higher voltage. Should work fine. Mr. Boomzilla, Thanks very much for the information. They are indeed power supply polarized electrolytics (Huge honkin' ones). It sounds like I shouldn't fear the local shop's ability to get the right (compatible) caps. |
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LCSeminole
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Post by LCSeminole on Nov 26, 2015 13:08:37 GMT -5
I would agree with boomzilla and mshump and find a local repair shop to replace the cap's for you.
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Post by leonski on Dec 22, 2015 0:54:42 GMT -5
Power Supply caps, the most likely culprit are a 'commodity' item.
Match for capacity (mfd) and temp which will be 85c or 105c. The 105c rated MAY cost more but will last longer under warm or harsh conditions.
Some swear by Panasonic (FM) Computer Grade. Mundorf and Vishay also are 'players'. DO NOT purchase a lesser voltage. Always the SAME or higher.
Unless the assembly is completely nuts, no reason at all for 1500$ for this operation.
IF YOU OPEN THE CASE BE VERY CAREFUL. The POWER SUPPLY CAPACITORS can hold a charge for DAYS if not WEEKS. ZAPPING yourself is painful and life threatening.
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Post by Loop 7 on Dec 22, 2015 2:20:50 GMT -5
Hold onto the Levinson. Like others said, look for a better price on the refurbishing.
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