Suggestions for Parasound hca1500a repair

sbb2112

I got this microrendu from @bikerboy and was thinking something was amiss. The left speaker was down 4db and while checking it out, things started to get weird. Nothing made sense after swapping cables around to narrow it down. Turns out by a fluke that I bumped the input gain knob on the back of the amp and the right channel cut out. Turned the knobs for both channels and they are junk. I was thinking of bypassing them at the max. Any thoughts? I can’t think of a replacement being problem free.

skrol

You could bypass them, however, they may just need cleaning with DeOxit Fader cleaner or similar.

VR3

Parasound was very helpful and reasonable when I sent one for a service not to long ago.

Imo, this model Amp appears to be reaching a service date in its life, imo.

daddyjt

FWIW, I would NOT bypass them. The circuit is designed to work with them in-place. Even at max, there is going to be a slight resistance, and I assure you that the fine folks at Parasound accounted for this in the circuit design. Also, why give up the adjustment? You’re going to have to go inside anyway - might as well Fix it, and fix it right -

DaveHo

skrol wrote: »

You could bypass them, however, they may just need cleaning with DeOxit Fader cleaner or similar.

This! Get some DeOxit & give that a shot first.

sbb2112

Thanks to everyone for the help. I asked parasound also. Here’s the reply

Hi Steve,

Have you tried cleaning the controls?

We use Deoxit D5 contact cleaner by Caig.

We also still stock the potentiometers - they are $15.99 each + shipping.

If you would like to order them, please fill out the attached CC form and email to tony@parasound.com or fax to 415 520 6020

Best regards,

Tony

So, both cleaning or buying new are a fix. Spot on everybody.

sbb2112

Checked the price on the Deoxit and it is $25. I will just get 2 new pots and call it a day. I know the amp is old but it sounds good so for now I'll keep it in the system. I think its newer than my Mc preamp though.

pitdogg2

I buy 100% deoxit on eBay in the non spray form. It I believe is 25 ml and has a needle applicator. About the same price but you're not paying for the carrier that evaporates. Last a long time and has many uses.
I tend to agree that new pot is the better option.

audioluvr

pitdogg2 wrote: »

I buy 100% deoxit on eBay in the non spray form. It I believe is 25 ml and has a needle applicator. About the same price but you're not paying for the carrier that evaporates. Last a long time and has many uses.
I tend to agree that new pot is the better option.

I use deoxit on all my cable terminations (banana, RCA etc) as well. Great to have on hand. As for the pots. Try spinning from min to max back and forth about 20 or so times. This often solves problems temporarily but deoxit is by far the best option.

cortico

I had a good expert dealing with Parasound service department, really quick turnaround.