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Help with possible left channel issue.

My apologies if this is supposed to be within the Tech Talk section. 
 

Recently purchased a used Rogue Audio Pharaoh II.  Have been enjoying it for about a month with a few quibbles (static from speakers when changing volume via the remote and very brief light static from speakers upon power on/off). 
 

My typical system power up is (Innous ZENmini MK3 —> Marantz SACD 30 —> Rogue Audio Pharaoh II). All three are plugged into a Furman PST-8 Digital power strip which is plugged into the wall. A Rel T7i is also plugged into the wall, but I really don’t use it much and only power it on when in use.

Last night after system power up, I hit play on a track via the Innous Sense App and heard a loud static pop from the left speaker. First reaction was to turn the volume down. (typically leave the volume knob at about 7pm) and pause the track. I waited a few second then unpaused the track and raised the volume a bit. All seems ok and I listened to music for two hours or so. Powered down in reverse of power up (Rogue Audio Pharaoh II —> Innous ZENmini MK3 —> Marantz SACD 30). 
 

Today, when I powered up the system and went to listen to the Innous ZENmini MK3, there was no audio out of the left speaker (Sonus Faber Sonetto V Gen 1).  I turned the balance knob left/right and right/left, but only heard slight static from the left speaker when the balance knob was turned passed neutral. I powered down the system and swapped the right speaker cables into the left speaker, powered the system back up and the left speaker was working fine.  I’m guessing that it is the left channel, but I would rather not open up the amp and mess around with tubes, wires, etc. I did reach out to Rogue and and awaiting a response. Luckily they are relatively close, so hoping I can just drop off the amp for a look over and repair if they do find an issue. 
 

In the interim, is there any one here with the same amp or other Rogue Audio product that had a similar channel related issue?  The Pharaoh II is an integrated amp, likely most here are using separates. 
 

Any insights or thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated. 
 

Note: A the time of the incident, the Rel Ti7i was never on, though it remains plugged into the wall and connected to the amp via a high lever Speakon connection. 

Thanks. 

shredsled

Showing 3 responses by buellrider97

buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
529 posts
 

Also , if available and you like the amp inquire about the  “ Dark Upgrade “ availability. I did that to mine , and it negated the service/repair portion of the fee. It was a noticeable improvement. 

buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
529 posts
 

I have different Rogue gear , and recently had a failure with one of my tube mono blocs. I have zero experience with class D, but I think you have a component failure and maybe something else. I had a resistor fail in the phase circuit of the 12AX7, which caused intermittent problems. I sent both amps in for a look over. They diagnosed and repaired the resistor. However they diagnosed both amps with issues with the diodes in the rectifier sections of both power supply’s. In retrospect I had noticed intermittent static and popping especially upon startup and shutdown. Call them on the phone and talk to Bill or Nick and they will politely give you input. They are knowledgeable and never pushy, they will definitely resolve your problem. Most likely it will have to be sent in, I like Pirate Ship for postage. Also if I may suggest, change the tubes while you’re at it, and if they’re JJ most others are better. And out of curiosity did your amp show any difference into the outlet Vs the Power filter ? If you go NOS Rogue suggests Andy at Vintage Tube Services. Cheers , Mike B. 

buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
529 posts
 

I just thought you might experiment as that unit makes pretty big power and sometimes things get bottlenecked at the power filter. I use a simple Richard Gray and when I replaced the heavy original cord with a Shunyata Venom HO I could tell a difference. I replaced my 15 amp duplex with a 20 amp Hubble duplex in order to accommodate the cord. I am aware of what I draw and was not concerned with an overload, although 20 amp circuits are more desirable. Also on tubes I have the RP-1 pre and replacing the JJ’s was absolutely huge. I tried RCA, Mullard, Seimens Nickle and settled on Tekefunkens. I checked the web site and did not see an upgrade to Dark specifically listed, but I saw a used listing for a Dark Pharaoh, maybe I was mistaken. When I recently received my upgraded M-180’s they no longer come with nos, shipping higher grade new production small signal tubes. They came with a couple pairs of the higher quality JJ’s and they were still poor sounding. However the 12AX7 slots had gold pin new production Tung Sol 5751 and they were really nice ! PM me if you have any 12AU7 questions and we can chat. I just had the M-180’s modded but where I live it was 105* today and we have the second highest power rates in the country. I’ll probably be considering something like the Pharaoh or Atmosphere class D mono’s this summer. I have Tekton DI’s coming Tuesday and even with 180 wpc, I think something like you have might be significantly better. I can’t say enough how much Bill and Nick have helped me. Cheers , Mike B. 

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