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I think I have an amp problem

In the last day or so I’ve noticed an oddity that I think is an amp issue. I run a Plinius 8200 integrated amp bought in 2001 and every so often the sound loses its edge and clarity and seems to “step back” toward the front wall (behind the speakers). Sometimes it comes back toward the listener within a couple of minutes or even 5-10 seconds. Sometimes it almost seems like an imaginary speaker in the center is slowly turning - so I get the full force of the music only when the “speaker” faces me and the diminished sound as it turns away. When it happen ns I lose the fullness of sound, the life of the music. It happens on LPs and hi-def streaming but haven’t noticed it in CD - and I’ve been unable to make it happen on demand. Sorry if this explanation is clumsy — any insight appreciated. Know what this is? Cause? Anyone else experience it? Any way to fix it? Thanks

aheydorn
ghdprentice
7,740 posts
 

It does sound most probably the integrated amp needs service or replacement. As @newbee pointed out. I would try and verify it happens with the CD as well. 

zlone
854 posts
 

Given the age of the unit, it could be as simple as a bit of oxidation on the controls, volume or input selection. Assuming these are not fancy relay based controls and the volume is a simple potentiometer, a good cleaning with De-oxit will do wonders. Same for input selection.

daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
617 posts
 

Clean the controls.  If it sounds the same, I would send it in.  If you run it to failure,  it could cause a severe failure.  I hope they have service in US.  Or replace.  

bigkidz
3,425 posts
 

Without having the unit in to evaluate it sounds like capacitors are failing in the power supply.  Open up the cover and check to see if they are bulging.  Check for any burn marks on the circuit board or if they have any smell.  This is a very simple check but after that it needs to come to a repair shop.  We are in New Jersey if we can assist you.

Happy Listening.

aewarren
698 posts
 

Have you made any changes to your system lately that may have an associated effect? If so, check he polarity of your cables, especially your speaker cables. If not, I would borrow another integrated to install and compare. Good luck!

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