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Cleaning a scratchy volume control...

I have a Audio Refinement Compete integrated amplifier with a scratchy attenuator.  It needs cleaning/restoration.  Problem is, I get the sense that there are two types of attenuators - plastic based and metal based and they use different types of contact cleaner.  Can someone offer advice on how to figure out which product to use, and the best way to get it into the attenuator itself?


Thanks, Peter

peter_s

Showing 2 responses by kijanki

kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,451 posts
 
I use fader lube
http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-F5S-H6-CAIG-DeoxIT-Faderlube/dp/B00006LVF1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=145...

It works on carbon and plastic tracks, plus is safe on metal.  It is designed specifically "to lubricate faders on all audio mixers and treat oxidized fader components that are usually the cause of fader noise and audio leakage."

kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,451 posts
 
Pot in my DAC is PCB mount.  It is small plastic square that have end cap with two diagonal screws.  I lift one corner with exacto blade and thru tiny gap I spray it inside.  This stuff is non-corrosive and non-conducting but I placed paper towels underneath to avoid big mess.
Spraying on the shaft holding it vertically and hoping it will soak in did not work (but it might work for you).  If you find any opening (many pots had slots near soldedring tabs) spray a lot of it inside.
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