2. amps-preamps
  3. 1440758705

"Audio Gone" question for Audiogon experts

I have an original NAD 3020 integrated amp. I like it very much, but within the past several months sound levels have started to change. When I turn it on, the left and right channel sound volumes are roughly equal. Over the next 15 minutes or so the sound balance starts to change and one channel, the right in my case, starts to get louder, or the left channel starts to get quieter, I'm not sure which. As the 3020 has pre-out and power-in jacks I decided to try the power-in section to see if the problem was in the power amp section. It is not - I have "balanced" sound output when I only use the power amp section, regardless of how long I listen. I swapped out the old power amp sections large capacitors about a year ago, carefully replacing them with the same microfarad values so as not to foul the Q of the amp (still sounds good to me). So, the problem is in the pre-amp section. Could a faulty capacitor in the pre-amp section be the fault? A transistor? What is most likely the problem? Thank you.
dimpossibility

Showing 1 response by dimpossibility

dimpossibility OP
1 posts
 
The problem occurs on all inputs. The pre- power- connects are firm, clean, and uncracked. There is some crackling and associated volume drop/gain when I wiggle the Mute switch, but I don't usually use it so this particular problem seems unlikely. Then again.... I will crack open the unit and take a peek.
As for "upgrading", I've listened to a lot of "high-priced spreads" and found all their claims wanting. This little beastie, at low to mid volume, sounds as nearly as good as the best of them to me. To use a famous line "They'll have to pry it out of my cold, dead fingers if they want it!"
Thanks all!
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