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Vintage Audio (record players, hi-fi etc) Amplifiers, speakers, gramophones and other audio equipment. |
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21st Nov 2022, 12:15 pm | #1 |
Triode
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
Posts: 36
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Crackly volume knob Pioneer A-400
As above, I bought an old A-400 through Gumtree, which I'm absolutely thrilled with, but the volume pot it very scratchy.
I realise this is a beyond basic question for you experts, but I have a tin of WD-40 specialist contact cleaner (not the normal stuff - I know that much at least!) but am unsure whether I need to pull the knob off and spray in there, or do I need to open up the case and spray it from behind as it were? Sorry, aware this is very basic stuff... |
21st Nov 2022, 12:44 pm | #2 |
Octode
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Petersfield, Hampshire, UK.
Posts: 1,043
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Re: Crackly volume knob Pioneer A-400
You will need to gain access to the pot.
When you do look for any gaps on tge casing to spray the cleaner inside . Take care not to overspray onto the front if there is a dial etc. One sprayed in give the know a few twiddles . Sometimes IPA ( Alcohol ) is better at cleaning . Cheers Pete |
21st Nov 2022, 6:36 pm | #3 |
Nonode
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Coulsdon, London, UK.
Posts: 2,163
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Re: Crackly volume knob Pioneer A-400
Sometimes the casing of the potentiometer has small holes or gaps which will allow you to spray the contact cleaner into the internals using the 'straw' tube.
You will probably have to open the amplifier to see the holes. |
21st Nov 2022, 6:39 pm | #4 |
Hexode
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Raunds, Northamptonshire, UK.
Posts: 351
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Re: Crackly volume knob Pioneer A-400
To clarify that yes you do need to remove the cover to access the guts of the volume control, there should be a gap in the volume controls casing where the connections to it come out, you should spray a little cleaner in there and work the knob over its full travel. If that doesn't cue the problem, try a little more cleaner and repeat the knob turning. Make sure that the amp is disconnected from the mains first though.
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Graham |
21st Nov 2022, 8:02 pm | #5 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,937
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Re: Crackly volume knob Pioneer A-400
The degree of dismantling required depends on the design of the pot. Often there is a gap where the contacts come out. You need to get cleaner on the carbon tracks, and also the wipers on the central shaft. As others have said, exercise the control vigorously after spraying the cleaner.
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25th Nov 2022, 10:39 pm | #6 |
Tetrode
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: East Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 74
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Re: Crackly volume knob Pioneer A-400
Couple of pic's an A400 volume/balance pot. I believe these are inherently problematic.
Hen's teeth if it can't be brought back to life Goodluck @RDWER123 any update? |