VU Meter Needle Dead or Just Lying There? Fixable?


Greetings All,

I have a McIntosh MA6900 Integrated Amp & the needle on the right VU db Power Output Meter just stopped moving, and is sitting at the far left in the off 0 postition.

I have tapped it lightly a few times all around the area of the meter-top/bottom/sides/front etc but nothing, no movement. Have also turned teh unit off & on a few times no effect.

The lights on the meter are on fully lit just like the left vu meter [which is fully functional] and the signal out of the right channel speaker is fine, just no needle movement.

Unit is just a little over 3-1/2 yrs old, bought new, out of warrranty now. Seems like this is too soon for something like this to occur/breakdown.

Is this a little/big problem to fix ie: can it be done by myself by taking of the front panel or is there a rather more problematic solution to fixing it? Is it reeally dead & needs replacing or maybe loose or stuck somehow & needs to be given a tick from the inside?

Also the left Power Guard LED stays on after they both briefly light after the amps Power Guard ciruts activates [power on], they are both supposed to go off immediately but the left one is on but a dim red. All else seems to be ok, sound both channels etc. no other noticable adverse side effects. Very annoying tho.

Any helpful suggestions on fixing/repairing [on my own cheaply or otherwise] these 2 frustrating & troublesome problems.

Thx in advance for your help.

Regards ... T
charandacafe
Call or email Terry deWick and he can probably diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action including anything you could try yourself before actually taking it to a Mac repair person such as Terry himself. He is very friendly and helpful.

http://www.mcintoshaudio.com/dewick_repairs.htm
Hi T

I was talking with Terry this AM. He said that unit has been problem-free. He thinks it might just be a loose ribbon cable or other cable going to the front panel. Says you should open it up and check. Then give him a call if you can't find anything obvious (while the unit is still open, of course ;-)
Greetings Nsgarch,

Thx again for your timely & considerate help, very much appreciated.

Sounds like good advice, I'll see what I can see & go from there.

Thx again.

Regards ... T@CC