New RTi4's-Choosing Receivers

PatH

Hi,
I am brand new to this forum! I just bought a pair of Polk Rti4 speakers today. I am currently running them off of an old Philips stereo receiver (7831). When I turn the volume up it crackles, and past 2, it crackles real bad. I was considering getting this fixed, but I don't know how much it will cost, does anyone have any idea what is wrong with it? I will probably be better off with a new receiver. I have been looking some at stereo receivers, Onkyo 8511 vs Yamaha RX-596, what do you guys think?
Thanks,
Pat

Airplay355

i think you might just need to clean the old receiver to fix your problems. i think it has something to do with dirty pots (and not pots and pans, its short for a huge word i cant spell or remember).

im pretty sure it only involves spraying some stuff inside. could be a much easier fix then you think

steveinaz

Hey, a fellow St. Louisan! I'm living in Arizona now, but born and raised in STL.

Is the crackling noise happening as you move the volume knob? Could be a dirty potentiometer. Get some "pot" cleaner from Radio Shack or other electronics store, pop the cover on the receiver (unplugged, of course) and spray some cleaner into the potentiometer housing.

That might do the trick.

PatH

Great! Yes, the crackling is as I am moving the volume knob. I will go to Radio Shack tonight and get some of that cleaner. Ill let you all know how it goes. Thanks! Pat

PatH

One thing though- Could you explain where the potiometer housing is? Thanks! Pat

Airplay355

The potiometer is right next to the bong and lighter

aaharvel

hey pat. welcome to the forum!

everyone on here pretty much has the right idea. if you don't mind the sound of your old Phillips receiver- then i'd look into getting it cleaned. I don't know about everyone else, but for 2channel music I love the sound of older solid-state receivers compared to many of the newer ones that are aimed more for video switching and hometheater chores.

if you do decide to upgrade though- and if 2channel music is more your thing than home theater- may I suggest Marantz, Harman Kardon, Denon- (and from what i've heard on the forum- NAD) over brands such as Onkyo, Yamaha Pioneer or Sony- that can exhibit a brighter, more fatiging sound- IMO.

i have rti4's myself for my front L&R, and i love them.
best of luck!

danger boy

with a piece of gear that old.. it wouldn't hurt to get it cleaned and serviced.. esp if you're going to be using it for a while.

PatH

Hi I cleaned the receiver yesterday with some contact cleaner I got from Radio Shack-works like its brand new! It sounds awesome! I love those Polk speakers!! Thanks guys for the help, you just saved me about 200 bucks on a new receiver!
Thanks again Pat

aaharvel

glad the forum could be of some help. don't be a stranger.

hey look! 100!