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  3. 136490-484

Design flaw in Esoteric DV-60?

I live in the Pacific Northwest. We have lots of storms here in Puget Sound. Earlier this year we had a momentary power interruption. There must have been a spike in the power supply, which for some reason, caused the DV-60 to turn itself on from standby. After that, it no longer would do multi-channel playback.

So, I sent it in, and the most expensive board it has needed replacement. It cost $1000 to get it back. Back it came, only to have the same thing happen a few months later. To me, this shouldn't happen. I did think am I crazy to spend so much money? Probably, but I really like the thing, I even bought a spare transport mechanism so when that goes bad (it doesn't have the bullet-proof transport as in more expensive Esoteric players), I have a replacement ready to go.

My power is a dedicated line, goes through a PS Audio Soloist, and then a PS Audio Power Plant Premier, which the DV-60 is plugged into. I am in touch with PS Audio and Esoteric, They claim it's not their fault, so who do I turn to now? Did someone drop the ball when designing the power supply? Does PS Audio have any culpability in this?

I'm hoping one of the genius's (you know who you are Ralph and Al), or someone with the background in the EE field, might have some ideas on the probable cause, and maybe a solution to it. Helluva mess. I can't afford to waste any more money, so, what's next?

Thanks for you help,
Dan


  
Ag insider logo xs@2xislandmandan

Showing 3 responses by islandmandan

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islandmandan OP
1,260 posts
 
Our storms develop very quickly, and there are gusts that can occur at any given moment. It's a bit difficult to determine when powering down should be done.

Thanks Al, for your input. I'll check to see what mode the PPP is in, and try a cheater plug (I hate to use them, they're not made very well, and don't get a good grip on things).

Jafant, I sent the unit to Teac of America (Digitronics), in Montebello, CA. Esoteric's authorized repair center is now under the care of TAP Electronics (also in So. Cal.). Digitronics had their authorization stripped away from apparent misdeeds, which I don't know the details of.

There is no point in having the unit serviced again until the power issues are handled, if I ever decide to get it fixed. Ted, the chief engineer and owner at Tap, said he would like to help with the situation, but I don't know what would be the end result.

Thanks to all for your concern and input, regards,
Dan 



 



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islandmandan OP
1,260 posts
 
Sisyphus51,

I hadn't realized there were more posts to read, thanks for responding. I had thought whole-house surge protection would cost in the thousands of dollars, not in the low hundreds. This is something I can afford to do, actually, in a sense, can't afford not to.

Thanks, and regards,
Dan
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islandmandan OP
1,260 posts
 
Whart, that is correct, nothing else is affected, that is why I question the design of the DV 60's power supply. Something is not quite right. You would think other units in the same circuit would be effected, but not so.

I would sure like to find the answer as to the cause of just this unit being affected. Also on the same line is a Primare SP 31 pre-pro, an old Musical Fidelity A3 24 DAC, and a Genesis Digital Time Lens ( these two units get very little use any more).

Thanks again,
Dan
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