|   *HELP* Receiver Distortion | BrettD
Dec 26, 2001 8:57 AM | | I have a SONY STRGA7ES receiver and, overall, have been pleased with it. However, not long after purchasing it (4yrs. ago), I noticed distortion occurring at low volumes, at low->mid range frequencies, and primarily with CD's (SONY ES CD player). I have tried a few different speaker set-ups and have narrowed the problem to the receiver. Can anyone provide a non-audiophile with some general info. on sourcing/remedying the possible problem? Thanks. |
| It may be time for professional service | itellitlikeitis
Dec 26, 2001 12:39 PM | | Hard to tell for sure from your description but one possible cause could be incorrect bias adjustment of the output transistors. This will require professional adjustment. This type of non-linear distortion is called "crossover notch" distortion. It occurs when the plus and minus going halves of the output stage don't "mesh" properly. At low volume, it becomes a significant part of the output signal but at higher volume it becomes a smaller factor but never goes away completely. To determine this, use a source such as a cd player or cassette deck which has an adjustable output level control. Set the level on the source way down and turn up the volume on the receiver. If you hear the same distortion, that may be it. If not, check your connections and cables carefully to see if there is a short or other problem. Good luck. |
| It may be time for professional service | brettd
Dec 26, 2001 8:18 PM | | Noted and thanks. Sorry for the primitive description. The distortion sounds just like a buzzing tweeter -- I thought it was my speakers until I recently had them replaced. All of the cable connections seem fine. I will give your test a try. Regards. |
| It may be time for professional service | brettd
Dec 26, 2001 9:29 PM | | itellitlikeitis,
OK -- I just gave your idea a try. I hooked the receiver up to the CD player via the players headphone jack using an RCA splitter. With the headphone jack source level way down and the receiver volume on 5 ("full power"), distortion was minimal to non-existant. While rechecking my cables again, I noticed that the inputs for the CD player into the receiver were REALLY sensitive. In fact, the distortion caused by lightly fiddling with the connection at these inputs was really noticeable, and reminiscent of the distortion in question. Actually, the right speaker input won't deliver signal if I fiddle with the connection enough (even with the cable fully connected) Hmmmm. Could it be that there is a short or some kind of cross happening at the CD outs on the receiver? Or, is this just coincidence? One last point of confusion...I connected the CD player to the DAT inputs of the receiver and could still get a little distortion in the suspect range, but not like I did at the CD in's.
Comments? |
| It may be time for professional service | Sam Carter
Dec 26, 2001 10:18 PM | | hey!
I have noticed a long time problem with sony recievers... you might notice it too if you read the reviews on older models... it seems that models that are about 5 - 10 years old seem to have a problem with the speaker outputs where they start getting realy sensitive and eventually go out... this only seems to happen to the front and rear speakers. I would look into this as a possible problem. maybe its just me but thats exactly what it sounds like... anyone agree with me here?
hope this helps...
Sam |
| It may be time for professional service | brettd
Dec 27, 2001 10:32 AM | | Sam.
Did you end up taking your receiver in for replacement of the bad outputs? I take it this is something that Sony would have to provide to the shop (my receiver is still under warranty), or perhaps this is something a repair shop can fix with aftermarket components?
I always dread taking my equipment in for repairs... |
| It may be time for professional service | Sam Carter
Dec 28, 2001 1:59 AM | | i actually have never owned a sony amplifier but my grandfather did... he had the same problem that you did and it turns out it was a problem with the speaker outputs just like so many other people i saw from reviews for older sony amps... so the thought popped into my mind and i thought it might help...
good luck amn! |
| It may be time for professional service | itellitlikeitis
Dec 27, 2001 4:01 AM | | Sorry, I don't know. It's hard to say. You could try some different cables. I wouldn't waste my money on expensive cables, other postings here notwithstanding. Radio Shack should do just fine. there are kits for cleaning the jacks if they aren't gold. A good solid connection is a must. Be very cautious fiddling with the input jacks when the volume is way up. You could damage your speakers. If that's not the problem, I'm afraid it's time to visit a repair technician. Good luck. |
| A brief addendum... | Markw*
Dec 27, 2001 4:20 AM | | never disconnect and reconnect cables or interconnects with power on. Wiggling them to check for a solid connection is one thing but never disconnect and reconnect then with power on. |
| A brief addendum... | brettd
Dec 27, 2001 10:27 AM | | Thanks -- just wiggled them. |
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