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Topic: Should I buy a new amp or fix this one? (Read 5086 times) previous topic - next topic
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Should I buy a new amp or fix this one?

Hi everyone,

I'm kind of stuck in a dilemma right now.

I currently own a old NAD 3150 that my dad gave me. The problem is that I think the balance potentiometer is going. It crackles when I adjust it, and sometimes when I don't. For the past week, the sound dropped out altogether.

I was reading in another topic that the Behringer A500 would be a good budget amp. I just blew $2000 on a bike last year, so I'm rather short in cash =S. Gotta love university =/.

Anyways, so I'm wondering whether I should attempt to fix the 3150 by turning it into basically a power amp. Solder the leads of the balance pot together? =S. I couldn't even find the schematics for the 3150, only the 3050. I'm hoping that they're similar.

Is there any other amp that would be a better deal than the A500? $200 is kind of steep =/.

So what do you guys think? Give the surgery a try or just get a new amp?

Btw, how does the 3150 compare to the A500?

Should I buy a new amp or fix this one?

Reply #1 –
Quote from: talcite on
I currently own a old NAD 3150 that my dad gave me. The problem is that I think the balance potentiometer is going. It crackles when I adjust it, and sometimes when I don't. For the past week, the sound dropped out altogether.
Have you tried cleaning the pot? With electronic cleaner?? Otherwise why not replace it?

Should I buy a new amp or fix this one?

Reply #2 –
I havn't tried cleaning the pot with electronic cleaner... isn't it just wear and tear? My dad bought this amp when HE was 18 =S.

The volume and balance are a unified pot. So basically to replace it, I'd have to find...

1. an audio pot ...
2. with a multiple layers ...
3. that has the same resistance range and wattage rating.

=/

The first thing I considered was replacing it... but they don't seem to make that part anymore at NAD distributors.

Edit: oh yeah, and I can't find the schematics for the NAD 3150, so I don't know the exact specs of that pot =/

Should I buy a new amp or fix this one?

Reply #3 –
First clean the pot.  Hell, cleam 'em all while you are in there.  They are all the same age.

If that does not work I am sure you can find the replacement part.  There will be an electronics store somewhere which has them.  NAD was pretty good.  Pot cleaner is cheap.  Seems simple to me.   
Nov schmoz kapop.

Should I buy a new amp or fix this one?

Reply #4 –
Are you sure it is the balance pot?

It could be the notorious power output relay problem.

I have a 2200 with this problem in one channel. I resoldered the relay and it got better but the problem came back. I will try again and see what happens.

More information here:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1583

Should I buy a new amp or fix this one?

Reply #5 –
Ahh... alright so i guess I'll try the pot cleaner first, then see if it's the power output relay...

=S time to remove that pot... it's soldered at like 18 points to the board '

Should I buy a new amp or fix this one?

Reply #6 –
Ah.. scrap your old amp. I had the exact same problem with my old Proton 520 (20 yrs old). It drove me nuts, I just wanted to set a match to it. I decided to go and buy a Cambridge 640  Aluminum, heavy as sh*t and powerful enough to raze the house. I'm glad I decided to move on.
//From the barren lands of the Northsmen
 

Should I buy a new amp or fix this one?

Reply #7 –
It really comes down to two things...

1. How much you enjoy the amp.
2. How much you can afford on a replacement.

I have had one flakey pot on a receiver for decades. It acts up every 2-3 years but just a quick cleaning and it's as good as new. Cleaner is cheap, so worth a try imho, unless you really hate the amp. Quality electronics can last for quite some time if taken care of properly. I have an old (25+years) Aiwa micro component system (amp+pre-amp+tuner) that still beats anything under $1k. One day I may install it in my van or camper.