2. amps-preamps
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Does my Pass amp dislike my Meridian preamp?

My Meridian G68 (preamp/processor) has been acting up, and my Meridian dealer suggested that the symptoms might be caused by an interaction with my amp, a Pass Labs XA30.5. I have consulted with a trusted Audiogon member, who doubts this theory. So I would like some more input. Here are the symptoms:

1. Meridian G68 freezes up. Neither the remote nor the front panel buttons are responsive. Must be unplugged and plugged back in to work again.

2. After it freezes and I power it down, sometimes a loud “popping” noise is emitted by the speakers.

3. In August, the Meridian G68 stopped working altogether. It was repaired by Meridian America. They replaced the power button and the power supply. But now the symptoms are back.

Thoughts?
bryoncunningham

Showing 4 responses by lrsky

lrsky
1,118 posts
 
Atmasphere,
I agree 'almost completely', which is to say--like lightning damage, virtually anything can happen--but, as usual, you're a fountain of really, really good information.
As to the original question...it's obvious from here in Louisville, some several hundred miles from the problem, lol, that the Meridian is the problem.
'Problems' between amps and preamps are like marital problems, they're usually solved by a third party, which is to say a therapist (or nosey neighbor or friend at a bar) or a lover, (a technician who can 'fix the problem' with a few tweaks--define tweaks however you will in this context,lol)

Larry
lrsky
1,118 posts
 
The only thing I can think of is dc offset...but I believe that the Meridian has an ongoing problem--an easy eval from Louisville, KY. (Don't laugh, Ashly Judd has a clause in her contracts that Kentucky has to be mentioned in her movies, and SHE'S cute! Are you?
Anyway, it's almost assuredly the Preamp/Processor that has the problem and unlikely that the Pass amp is backfeeding the preamp something harmful...
Larry
lrsky
1,118 posts
 
Parts fail, company reactions SHOULD NOT!

Call Pass Labs immediately and report their reaction to ALL OF US ON A'Gon!
Larry
lrsky
1,118 posts
 
Of course, something, must be passing through the analog level of the pre to the amp, to create a problem for the amplifier--why hasn't anyone else written this?
I normally just 'hide behind others' on things like this, HOWEVER, this is too easy.
The amp is faulty, or the pre is sending something at the analog output which is creating problems.
It's easy... send the pre and the amp back...see who's honest and helpful.
Larry
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