WWYD- Buying a used amp

strider

What would you do when buying a used amp? Assuming it's local, what can you check to make certain it's going to be as described? Just looking to see what everyone's $.02 is before I look at one this evening. Thanks in advance.

tonyb

Not exactly sure what your looking for.What kind of amp ? Tube-SS
2-channel,5-channel,mono's.Some basics,make sure the fins aren't bent or the terminals in the back.Listen for volume differences between left and right speakers.Unplug everything from the amp,except the power cord and listen for any noise,hum.Just a few starters,throw out some more info.

strider

I'm looking at a Carver 705x, which is a solid state, 5 channel amp. I spoke with the seller today, he's got it hooked up to speakers and offered to audition it. I was just wondering what those with some more experience would do without having test equipment at their disposal.

tonyb

Just so happens I used to own that amp.They are depenable and quiet.But the speaker connectors on the back are very flimsy to say the least.Make sure none are stripped as this is easy to do if you try turning too hard.Check each channel individually for noise or hum.Carvers are easy to fix also.Just for giggles,how much is this person asking?Also,what do you plan on doing with a 5 cannel amp?Each channel has it's own gain dial on the back,make sure they are turned up all the way when testing.

strider

Sounds like the binding posts are the same as on my m-500. The guy's asking $450, only issue he's told me about is a slight scratch on the front. I'm hoping to use it the round out a 7.1 set up with the M-500. Thanks for the tip on the individual gain on each channel.

hangon

Smell inside it when it is warmed up. If a transmitter is getting to hot or ready to burn out it gets hot and smells burnt. This only works sometimes.