Amp on the way out, Fix or Replace?

[bodhi]

Evening folks,

I have an old Marantz PM66 KI-Signature sitting at home for which I saved up 6 months pocket money for when I was 15, which has developed a fault whereby the right channel is really quiet so the amp itself is basically unuseable. I've tried various different sources and speakers - no joy. I've been using an even older Sony Midi System since then and it's been doing a cracking job when required, but I'm missing the extra clarity of the Marantz.

The question is do I fix it or replace it with something a bit more up to date?

It will be used with various different sources, from a PS3 and Sky HD box to tablets and laptops, and the priority is music. It will be driving my Mission 733i's with Linn speaker cable in an average sized room.

[The_Burg]

Your parents were generous! Weren't these around £400?

Try some switch cleaner in the volume pot.
(Or buy a better one).
Fixes many faults.

[TonyRPH]

The PM66 KI Sig was regarded highly in it's day and still is held in high regard.

I would get it repaired - as you'll need to spend quite a bit of money to find something equivalent or better.

I'll wager that it's dry joints or a dirty pot as suggested above - but as I have repaired a few of these in my time - it's always been dry joints on the main power amp board.

[bodhi]

Thanks for your replies, looks like fixing it is the way forwards. This was my preferred option, as, like you say, it was a cracking amp in its day.

Any ideas on the costs involved if it is a dry joint?

[The_Burg]

Shouldn't be a fortune, if you take the bottom panel off, (assuming it has one), have a look for dull or cracked solder joints. Touch with the soldering iron and add a tiny bit of solder as required.

As i suggested try cleaning the volume pot. Maplin sell the spray shouldn't cost much.
Make sure you unplug the power first. Give it a good squirt and wiggle the volume control.
Leave it a while then power back up and see.

[TonyRPH]

It'll be dry joints in the plural - usually about an hours work to resolder them usually.

It shouldn't be more than an hour though.

Not sure what the labour rates are in your part of the world - but look on Ebay - there are people on there who advertise repair services.

[bodhi]

The shop I bought it from were very reasonable when the ourput stage went on it (You would power it on but wouldn;t hear the "Click" as the rest powered up), so I'll probably take it back to them.

Thanks again for all your help (and the very promising news) I will let you know how I get on.