Pioneer SA-708

[jdh]

As a newbie, I take this opportunity from the outset to confess a complete lack of knowledge when it comes to using appropriate terminology so I hope the description of m problem is clear. Here goes, my Pioneer SA-708 amp was in storage in less than ideal conditions for a number of years (no direct moisture but plenty of dust and dry heat). I had it serviced and cleaned out and was told everthing should be fine. However, from the outset higher output resulted in an intermitant break down of signal in both channels and in either A or B speaker setting. I have also noticed a lot of 'crackling' when I move dials and switches. Also, signal volume drops and increases intermitantly. I have had this amp for years and love the aluminium front panel as well as the matching tape deck and tuner. Could the solution be cheap and DIY or costly and not worth the effort. I also have tried different speakers from bookshelves to my M&K's and SP-1700's with AERPRO OFC speaker cable, no differance. Any advice would be appreciated!

[Essential Audio]

What exactly did the service entail? It is highly likely the pots have dust in them. Depending on how they are mounted they could be quite difficult to remove and clean. Probably better off replacing them. Also if the unit has been in storage and exposed to high temperatures during the day and no doubt much cooler temperatures during the night, then it is possible that the expansion and contraction of the pcb may have resulted in some hairline fractures of tracks or solder joints. A closer inspection may reveal such things but if hairline fracture does exist it could be very difficult see. On the other hand it may something simple - perhaps someone else on here has one of these and can give more details on it's guts and problems they may have had?

[jdh]

Thanks for the advice Essential Audio, I'm sure it was just a blow out and turn it on to see if the lights work because they would have heard the problem if they had given it a workout. I really like the older pioneer gear, it has a good rep. and looks way cool. But, maybe its time to retire the old thing and use my panny digital amp for everything.

[Aslan]

More than likely she is suffering from dry joints and cracks on the circuit boards due expansion and contraction. It would be worthwhile running a soldering iron over them before making any hasty decisions.