XPA5 Gen 1 Crackling

[emielke]

Afternoon, everyone!

I had bought a refurb XPA-5 Gen 1, ages ago, and never took it out of the box, because I didn’t have an immediate need. Fast forward a few years, and I’m just now opening it. Well, all is well, except that one of the channels has a cracking sound - it plays audio, but it’s muted and sounds “crackly.” It’s connected to a UMC-1, and EmoQ says it’s reversed polarity, but it’s wired correctly. Just to be sure, I reversed the cabling on one end, and it sounds the same, though the dB reading during the test is different.

Any ideas as to what’s going on? Given that it’s well past being under warranty, any idea how big of a fix this is? I rerouted channels so that my center isn’t in use, but I’d like to have it back....

Thanks!

Emily

[leonski]

Leaky output transistor.

Easy way to diagnose is some Canned Cold Air. A gentle spritz on each output device with the bad device having a result.

[emielke]

Apr 27, 2020 20:21:21 GMT -5 leonski said:

Leaky output transistor.

Easy way to diagnose is some Canned Cold Air. A gentle spritz on each output device with the bad device having a result.

Thanks! I'll pick some up when I can, and will give it a test. If that's the case, is it fixable?

[leonski]

Sure. to the extent tha nothing else is damaged AND you can get the part. Since EMO buys regular production run parts as a general rule, you SHOULD be able to get an exact match or even an OEM device......

Some thought should be given to replacing ALL the devices on the bad amp at one time, so they again sort of match.

You'll need to check the BIAS, too. For that you may want to give the whole thing to a tech who can wheedle the bias setting from EMO so a proper and in-spec adjustment can be made.

In any event, get the help of a qualified tech. PS capacitors can hold one heck of a (fatal) charge.

BE CAREFUL. IF you find a suspect part (small, visual or test) unplug for an hour or so prior to anything else. If you are NOT QUALIFIED in this regard, defer to someone who is. Really....

[cawgijoe]

Check with Emotiva. You may be able to send it in and repaired for a fixed price. At least give them a call to find out.

[leonski]

YES.....by any and all means.....CHECK with the techs.

I predict they won't commit to even 'possibles' without examining the amp, though, and good luck getting someone to part with a schematic......