Zephyre Posted March 4, 2015 Share Posted March 4, 2015 Sansui AU-222: Crackling Right Channel I was interested in listening to an old Sansui amplifier – so purchased an AU-222 from a popular auction site. I set it up in my study – and the sound was, until the weekend, smooth, warm and elegant. Loved it. Then the trouble started. The right channel is popping and crackling. Action taken: Changed speaker– no improvement. Changed speaker cable – no improvement. Cleaned all the pots this arvo – and crossed my fingers – but no improvement. Unfortunately that right channel is still crackling away as I write. The noise is unaffected by changing the volume level – so it’s just as crackly at no volume – and high volume. Same deal with balance – send it all to the left channel – and the grumpy right channel keeps on crackling/popping. I am mourning the loss of my baby Sansui, so I thought I would post here in the hope that someone may have another solution a novice could attempt? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skippy124 Posted March 4, 2015 Share Posted March 4, 2015 Hi, Sorry to hear about your sick 222. One thing to try first - with the unit turned of, try operating the lever switches, particularly the Tape Monitor switch, a couple of dozen times for each switch. The 222 is notorious for intermittent/noisy switches, this is not likely to be the cause of the problem, but it is worthwhile trying first to see if it makes any difference. If this doesn't make any difference, then it is likely that one (or more) of the 2SC871 transistors in the tone control or main amplifier sections has gone noisy. These are known troublemakers in terms of pops and crackles. If this is the case, then surgery is the only option! Cheers John 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephyre Posted March 4, 2015 Author Share Posted March 4, 2015 Hi John, Thanks for your reply - I was hoping you were going to chime in - much appreciated The crackle and pop remains after operating the lever switches...possibly a little less than before. I'll leave the AU-222 on for a while. It may be my imagination but it seems to be less crackly when music is playing. I'll give the pots and switches another going over tomorrow too. Can I persuade you to operate if things don't improve? Best wishes,Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skippy124 Posted March 4, 2015 Share Posted March 4, 2015 Hi Rob, Yes, send down for a check over if it doesn't improve. Cheers John 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaphod Beeblebrox Posted March 4, 2015 Share Posted March 4, 2015 Hi John, Thanks for your reply - I was hoping you were going to chime in - much appreciated The crackle and pop remains after operating the lever switches...possibly a little less than before. I'll leave the AU-222 on for a while. It may be my imagination but it seems to be less crackly when music is playing. I'll give the pots and switches another going over tomorrow too. Can I persuade you to operate if things don't improve? Best wishes, Rob Skippy's comments are bang on. The tone amp transistors and sometimes the power amp front end transistors are notorious in this series of amps. It is often best to replace the whole lot. Cleaning switches is unlikely to solve anything. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephyre Posted March 5, 2015 Author Share Posted March 5, 2015 Hi John, No luck here today with the new amp. I would be stoked if you could repair my first Sansui - and generally get it back in shape! Tried to message you - but your inbox is full. Best wishes, Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skippy124 Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 Hi Rob, In box has some room now! Happy to give the 222 a makeover, shoot me a pm and we can take it from there Cheers John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krischan Posted November 11, 2020 Share Posted November 11, 2020 Hi Zephyr and Skippy 124 I discovered exactly the same problem with my Sansui AU 1O1, already replaced cable, switched speaker and switched channels. It comes down to the right channel. Any words of wisdom or advice where I can get it repaired? Thanks Krischan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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