Ross
Well-known member
If so, I need to speak to somebody. 
Anyone In Here A Stereo Electronics Tech?
- Thread starter Ross
- Start date
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hi ross!
what do you mean by stereo electronics tech??? joey is pretty savvy at all that, but i'm not sure that fits in with what he is so good at...
please specify??
thanks!!!
what do you mean by stereo electronics tech??? joey is pretty savvy at all that, but i'm not sure that fits in with what he is so good at...
please specify??
thanks!!!
Ross
Well-known member
I need a electronics technician to help with an FM tuner problem on my Yamaha RX-V490 receiver.
P
pillarpaul
Hey, Ross, you're in luck. I'm not only into stereos but I'm familiar with the RX-V490 receiver. In fact, I would venture to guess the problem you're having is a frequency modulator with hyper magnetic sensitivity. Solution? simple. Just adjust the E-335 transistor tube slightly to the left, reverse the polarity of each output wire, increase your electricity to 220 or 221 or whatever it takes, grab a ham sandwich, and...voila! Problem solved.
No charge, buddy.
Cliff Claven
No charge, buddy.
Cliff Claven
hensylee
Well-known member
Hey, Cliff - that was just great. We not only get hearts fixed but............well, near bout everthang.........
RobThatsMe
Well-known member
Hi Ross,
Simple Solution:
1. Disconect receiver.
2. Pack it in a shipable box.
3. Mail to Cliff Claven for repair.
4. Make a ham sandwich -- Relax... Wait for Cliff to fix and return.
5. Re-connect receiver.
6. Eat another ham sandwich, sit back and enjoy your radio.
Happy Holidays,
Rob
Simple Solution:
1. Disconect receiver.
2. Pack it in a shipable box.
3. Mail to Cliff Claven for repair.
4. Make a ham sandwich -- Relax... Wait for Cliff to fix and return.
5. Re-connect receiver.
6. Eat another ham sandwich, sit back and enjoy your radio.
Happy Holidays,
Rob
Ummmm,
I'm not a stereo tech by profession, but have spent too much time wiring and building, etc. What type of problem do you have, and are you thinking it unique to your specific receiver or is it a general problem and you are specifying the model receiver to help the tech?
Lots of problems are generic, and maybe we can help -- just try to describe the situation.
I'm not a stereo tech by profession, but have spent too much time wiring and building, etc. What type of problem do you have, and are you thinking it unique to your specific receiver or is it a general problem and you are specifying the model receiver to help the tech?
Lots of problems are generic, and maybe we can help -- just try to describe the situation.
Ross
Well-known member
Slowly over the years (I got this unit in 1995) the FM has been degrading in signal strength. I left the unit sit disconnected for the last 9 months and just hooked it up again. Now, it will not lock on any freq in the FM band at all. It's as if it needs realigned, but this puppy is digital. I talked to one shop in Cleveland and they want $100 just to look at it. The tech I talked to said it's probably the FM IC and it's $130 and $105 in labor. NOT! I only paid $369 for this thing brand new. I've been looking around out of curiosity and I can get a better unit, but comparable for $399 today.
This is the second Yamaha receiver I've had and it's the second one that this issue has occured with. I'm thinking of going with Denon the next time. Anyone in here an Audiophile? What's your opinion of Denon?
Regardless, I cannot afford to shell out that kind of money. It aggravates me to no end to have something that works great every which way except for the FM tuner. I'm someone that likes to know the whole thing is ok, not partially messed up like I am.
I can still enjoy my movies, cds, etc. Guess I'll be living without FM for some time to come. In a way, that's not all that bad. Last time I turned the radio on in the car, I didn't much like what I heard anyway.
This is the second Yamaha receiver I've had and it's the second one that this issue has occured with. I'm thinking of going with Denon the next time. Anyone in here an Audiophile? What's your opinion of Denon?
Regardless, I cannot afford to shell out that kind of money. It aggravates me to no end to have something that works great every which way except for the FM tuner. I'm someone that likes to know the whole thing is ok, not partially messed up like I am.
I can still enjoy my movies, cds, etc. Guess I'll be living without FM for some time to come. In a way, that's not all that bad. Last time I turned the radio on in the car, I didn't much like what I heard anyway.
D
dwfreck
Ross,
I'm a recovering audiophile. I unknowingly joined Audiophilics Anonymous when I took the two steps in their program: marriage and parenthood.
All kidding aside, you're in an all-too-familiar quandry faced by millions of users of stereo products (audiophiles and non-audiophiles alike) who have purchased integrated "receivers" instead of individual components (tuner, pre-amp, amplifier, etc.). The diagnostic and repair prices you've quoted are directly in line with what I've seen. So are the prices of new receivers.
I've never owned anything from Denon, but they used to have a very high reputation. If you really want to know what's recommended by audiophiles, buy a few audiophile magazines and see what they have to say. I used to know all the titles, but I haven't walked into a newstand in years...
If your Yamaha isn't all that old, and the rest of the unit is working correctly, AND you don't need (or already have) all of the new bells and whistles available today (video source switching, surround sound decoding, etc.), then I have a few suggestions:
1) Get a separate radio tuner (AM/FM or FM only; if such a thing still exists on the market today), and connect it as an "auxilliary input" to your receiver.
2) If you have cable or satellite TV service, check to see if your provider offers music-only channels (for an upcharge, I'm sure), and route the audio output from your cable/sattelite box to your receiver.
3) Check out sattelite radio. I don't know much about it, other than the fact that it exists, but it might offer something attractive to you.
4) If none of the above works, and you've got a broadband internet connection, you may be able to find a web site for your favorite FM station, "stream" their broadcast to your PC, and play it through the PC's speakers, or, depeding on your sound card and it's proximity to your stereo, through your receiver.
By the way, I'm familiar with the "my stereo is broken and I can't afford to fix it right now" problem; my 20+ year-old Pioneer speakers are distorting so badly that I disconnected them at this time last year, and I still haven't repaired or replaced them.
I'm a recovering audiophile. I unknowingly joined Audiophilics Anonymous when I took the two steps in their program: marriage and parenthood.
All kidding aside, you're in an all-too-familiar quandry faced by millions of users of stereo products (audiophiles and non-audiophiles alike) who have purchased integrated "receivers" instead of individual components (tuner, pre-amp, amplifier, etc.). The diagnostic and repair prices you've quoted are directly in line with what I've seen. So are the prices of new receivers.
I've never owned anything from Denon, but they used to have a very high reputation. If you really want to know what's recommended by audiophiles, buy a few audiophile magazines and see what they have to say. I used to know all the titles, but I haven't walked into a newstand in years...
If your Yamaha isn't all that old, and the rest of the unit is working correctly, AND you don't need (or already have) all of the new bells and whistles available today (video source switching, surround sound decoding, etc.), then I have a few suggestions:
1) Get a separate radio tuner (AM/FM or FM only; if such a thing still exists on the market today), and connect it as an "auxilliary input" to your receiver.
2) If you have cable or satellite TV service, check to see if your provider offers music-only channels (for an upcharge, I'm sure), and route the audio output from your cable/sattelite box to your receiver.
3) Check out sattelite radio. I don't know much about it, other than the fact that it exists, but it might offer something attractive to you.
4) If none of the above works, and you've got a broadband internet connection, you may be able to find a web site for your favorite FM station, "stream" their broadcast to your PC, and play it through the PC's speakers, or, depeding on your sound card and it's proximity to your stereo, through your receiver.
By the way, I'm familiar with the "my stereo is broken and I can't afford to fix it right now" problem; my 20+ year-old Pioneer speakers are distorting so badly that I disconnected them at this time last year, and I still haven't repaired or replaced them.
Ross
Well-known member
I absolutely love Yamaha, but since this is the second receiver to suffer the same problem, I'm a bit leary of going around a third time. My R-700 did the exact samething in 1994 after 12 years of service. Now this one and it's only 8 years old.
D
dwfreck
Ross,
Unfortunately, the trend in consumer electronics is toward short lifespan, so even with another reliable brand, you may find similar, shortened longevity.
If you're looking for the longest-lived stuff, then you should look for units that use more discrete electronic components (individual transformers, capacitors, amplifiers, etc.) than integrated circuits. Of course, you'll pay more for discrete-component products, and if you buy individual stereo comonents that use discrete electronic components you're really going to get into a high price for an entire system.
Of course, if price is your primary concern, then you should look for a multi-function receiver with integrated cirtuits, but buy it with the forknowledge that it may not last more than five years!
Many manufacturers have an integrated-circuit line and a discrete-component line of products. Yamaha may do that too, so if you've been happy with them, take a closer look at their product line.
At least Yamaha still makes affordable receivers. I've got a Nakamici receiver, CD changer, and tape deck, but all of Nak's current products are high-end, high-gloss, high-fashion, high-priced home theatre systems. It'll be a very sad day indeed when my Naks pass on...
Unfortunately, the trend in consumer electronics is toward short lifespan, so even with another reliable brand, you may find similar, shortened longevity.
If you're looking for the longest-lived stuff, then you should look for units that use more discrete electronic components (individual transformers, capacitors, amplifiers, etc.) than integrated circuits. Of course, you'll pay more for discrete-component products, and if you buy individual stereo comonents that use discrete electronic components you're really going to get into a high price for an entire system.
Of course, if price is your primary concern, then you should look for a multi-function receiver with integrated cirtuits, but buy it with the forknowledge that it may not last more than five years!
Many manufacturers have an integrated-circuit line and a discrete-component line of products. Yamaha may do that too, so if you've been happy with them, take a closer look at their product line.
At least Yamaha still makes affordable receivers. I've got a Nakamici receiver, CD changer, and tape deck, but all of Nak's current products are high-end, high-gloss, high-fashion, high-priced home theatre systems. It'll be a very sad day indeed when my Naks pass on...
K
Kenny F
I was waiting to see if you got some tech advice that didn't involve a ham sandwitch . I am no techie for sure, but like Dale I am prone to spending too much (no, really honey, we NEED a 61" TV) on A/V equipment.
I think Dale is really onto something with satellite radio. My bro just e-mailed me the other nite to tell me the 12.95 per month for Sirius was the best check he writes each month.
As far as receivers, I replaced my Technics 5.1 recever with an incredible Onkyo after doing just what Dale advised - shopping the "buff books" for months. It is the finest A/V product I have ever owned - something about the circuitry (it was explained by an electronices friend of mine) causes it to produce reliable power with less heat. Even tho it was rated at 75wattsx5 channels (rms) it dramatically outperforms the Technics, that claimed 100x5.
The tuner section is strong, but there are no radio stations here in Chattanooga to listen to (I listen to Jazz mostly).
And there are separate tuners, but they tend towards high-end and it would be cheaper to get a new receiver.
. I am no techie for sure, but like Dale I am prone to spending too much (no, really honey, we NEED a 61" TV) on A/V equipment.I think Dale is really onto something with satellite radio. My bro just e-mailed me the other nite to tell me the 12.95 per month for Sirius was the best check he writes each month.
As far as receivers, I replaced my Technics 5.1 recever with an incredible Onkyo after doing just what Dale advised - shopping the "buff books" for months. It is the finest A/V product I have ever owned - something about the circuitry (it was explained by an electronices friend of mine) causes it to produce reliable power with less heat. Even tho it was rated at 75wattsx5 channels (rms) it dramatically outperforms the Technics, that claimed 100x5.
The tuner section is strong, but there are no radio stations here in Chattanooga to listen to (I listen to Jazz mostly).
And there are separate tuners, but they tend towards high-end and it would be cheaper to get a new receiver.
I'll have to go along with Kenny on the Onkyo, Ross. I replaced a (still working) 25 year old Kenwood receiver with the then-latest Onkyo a couple of years ago, and it is great. If only I hadn't lost the husband/wife battle of form versus function on my 4-foot tall Polk monitor speakers. . . those new "component" speakers with the powered sub-woofers are nowhere as realistic as a big box full of good drivers.
Ross - a possible stop-gap might be either a better antenna or an antenna pre-amplifier between the receiver and the antenna. If the problem is a weakening RF stage early in the chain of circuitry, an external pre-amp or just a stronger signal might make FM listenable.
Are you using an external antenna? If you have an outdoor TV antenna, they usually work well. If not, there are amplified antennas from companies like Terk that may make a difference. Also, do other FM radios work well inside your house, or might you have generally low signal levels?
Ross - a possible stop-gap might be either a better antenna or an antenna pre-amplifier between the receiver and the antenna. If the problem is a weakening RF stage early in the chain of circuitry, an external pre-amp or just a stronger signal might make FM listenable.
Are you using an external antenna? If you have an outdoor TV antenna, they usually work well. If not, there are amplified antennas from companies like Terk that may make a difference. Also, do other FM radios work well inside your house, or might you have generally low signal levels?
Ross
Well-known member
I wish I were so lucky. I tried an indoor dipole and my outdoor FM antenna and this thing is not locking on any freq. I can switch to manual tuning which is mono mode and hear the station just fine however, there is no signal strength indicated and when switched to auto mode, the channel is as if it's not even there. I tuned down to 93.9 and the station that is at 94.1 comes in clear, but no signal strength. If I tune up to 94.3 the station is garbled, but I have a signal indication. It's as if this thing is either actually at 94.0 or 94.2-Just far enough out of freq that there is no lock on or capture.
K
Kenny F
Steve, sorry about the Polks. My wife wasn't paying attention when I bought JBL S310s for the front mains (I actually listen to music more than watch movies) so I still get to rock. Satellites and a sub work, but for music there is no substituting big box speakers. I use a JBL NCenter and some little JBL 500s for the rears, and forego the sub altogether. But the Onkyo has got the goods to power them all, for music or movies. And, realistically, lined up with the component rack and the 61" Toshiba, they actually scale pretty nicely!
One other small point, for us old-timers, is the Onkyo has a real phono input with ground. I still buy old records and enjoy them along with my CDs, so having the ability to plug in a turntable was important.
One other small point, for us old-timers, is the Onkyo has a real phono input with ground. I still buy old records and enjoy them along with my CDs, so having the ability to plug in a turntable was important.
Ross
Well-known member
Phono? Is that like a Victorola? Those black disk thingies?
I have a Technics SL-B202 turn table with a Audio Technica Lab series magnetic cartridge and a 2 foot high stack of black disk thingies that I can no longer listen to because the turn table motor is shot. If you like to listen to your black disk thingies with the motor speeding up and slowing down all the time, it's fine, but that's not my idea of listening to music.
I'm now reduced to CD, VCR, and Receiver.
Is that like a Victorola? Those black disk thingies? I have a Technics SL-B202 turn table with a Audio Technica Lab series magnetic cartridge and a 2 foot high stack of black disk thingies that I can no longer listen to because the turn table motor is shot. If you like to listen to your black disk thingies with the motor speeding up and slowing down all the time, it's fine, but that's not my idea of listening to music.
I'm now reduced to CD, VCR, and Receiver.
K
Kenny F
Yeah, phono. But I keep my vinyl in sleeves!
My 24 yo Technics belt drive did the same thing - would last about 5-6 minutes, then slow down or speed up. It's in the speed switch. A friend of mine handed me a late 70s Sansui direct drive a few months back. He was moving - would have gone to the dump! complete with newer cartridge. Works great.
My 24 yo Technics belt drive did the same thing - would last about 5-6 minutes, then slow down or speed up. It's in the speed switch. A friend of mine handed me a late 70s Sansui direct drive a few months back. He was moving - would have gone to the dump! complete with newer cartridge. Works great.
Ahh, the joys of analog sound laid down on black vinyl! I'm temporarily unplugged, but have 2 remaining turntables. One is a Gerrard SL-55B, a changer with their "articulated" tone arm that is supposed to always track on a true tangent to the groove. It works, and the wife prefers it. My own choice is an ancient Pioneer belt-drive manual unit that is simple and IMHO, elegant. Both run Stanton cartridges, chosen for their extreme channel separation.
Alas, however, these all assume one has the time to enjoy them. Darned modern world. . .
Ross, it sounds like you have a failed component, perhaps in one of the IF stages, though. Not an RF stage, as the problem is not just strength but also as you surmised, alignment (or lack thereof). YUK!
Alas, however, these all assume one has the time to enjoy them. Darned modern world. . .
Ross, it sounds like you have a failed component, perhaps in one of the IF stages, though. Not an RF stage, as the problem is not just strength but also as you surmised, alignment (or lack thereof). YUK!
Ross
Well-known member
There has to be a small adjustment in the PLL circuit. Thing is, I can't tell where the PLL circuit is. There looks to be 2 rather obvious adjustment trimmers on the card, but my with my luck, I'd throw the whole ball of wax way out.
D
dwfreck
Gentlemen,
Vinyl... Ohhh...
I've still got a stack of them, but we're working (very slowly) on replacing them with CDs. I've also still got an old Pioneer turntable that may or may not work; I haven't tried it in a very long time. We picked our current furniture-kit "entertainment center" because it had a slide-out shelf for the turntable!
Alas, Ross, I must agree with Kenny and Steve on the status (RIP) of the tuner portion of your receiver. One other minor wrinkle you might want to check out is the possibility of interference from another station in a whole different part of the frequency band. I've got one local station (from Hamilton!, OH)that wreaks havoc on most of the lower powered stations at the low end of the frequency range (88.7 - 91.x), even though it is SUPPOSED to be broadcasting at 92.x or higher (I haven't quite figured out exactly where it's supposed to be). Also, I live less than a mile from the old Voice of America, Bethany, OH broadcast center and I'm told by neighbors that when it was active (before we moved in) and transmitting, you could receive the broadcasts directly on anything that had a coil (the telephone, your speakers, etc.). Talk about interference!
Vinyl... Ohhh...
I've still got a stack of them, but we're working (very slowly) on replacing them with CDs. I've also still got an old Pioneer turntable that may or may not work; I haven't tried it in a very long time. We picked our current furniture-kit "entertainment center" because it had a slide-out shelf for the turntable!
Alas, Ross, I must agree with Kenny and Steve on the status (RIP) of the tuner portion of your receiver. One other minor wrinkle you might want to check out is the possibility of interference from another station in a whole different part of the frequency band. I've got one local station (from Hamilton!, OH)that wreaks havoc on most of the lower powered stations at the low end of the frequency range (88.7 - 91.x), even though it is SUPPOSED to be broadcasting at 92.x or higher (I haven't quite figured out exactly where it's supposed to be). Also, I live less than a mile from the old Voice of America, Bethany, OH broadcast center and I'm told by neighbors that when it was active (before we moved in) and transmitting, you could receive the broadcasts directly on anything that had a coil (the telephone, your speakers, etc.). Talk about interference!
