Stereo has developed a crackle

Shaun @ Tru6 · 09-20-2021, 12:58 PM

I have a B&K Components AVR 307 for the shop. It is insanely loud and clear at the same time. And often is. It developed a crackle a week ago. Swapped speakers, it's the stereo.

Is there a typical component in a stereo that when it goes bad creates a crackle? Probably not worth having it repaired as they are $300 or so on eBay.

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

I had that problem on a Sansui receiver. Sprayed the volume knob with contact cleaner and it did the trick.

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-D5S-6-DeoxIT-Contact-Cleaner/dp/B00006LVEU/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=electronic+cleaner+spray&qid=1632172261&sr=8-5

gwmac · 09-20-2021, 01:26 PM

yup
cables switches and controls first things to check

scotricker · 09-20-2021, 01:30 PM

that's it . The knobs are ancient analog potentiometers that get gritty.
First, turn it off, ask me how I know,
then quickly, briskly, turn the volume all the way up and down a few times to clean off the wire coil.
Do the same with balance, bass, treble,
My old old Pioneer that I love is still crankin out the tunes in my garage
good luck,

Steve Carlton · 09-20-2021, 01:38 PM

Or just play Neil Diamond from here on out.

scotricker · 09-20-2021, 01:40 PM

ok, this guy = winner

Ayles · 09-20-2021, 01:41 PM

Get a can of deoxit for the pots.

flatbutt · 09-20-2021, 01:43 PM

another vote for dirty pots.

ramonesfreak · ramonesfreak's Garage

is it crackling while turning knobs (you didn’t say)? yes = do the above

or does it just start crackling on its own? if yes = something else is going on. take it to repair man. most repairs are about $75 in my experience

Scott Douglas · Scott Douglas's Garage

I've got a can of Deoxit somewhere around here but dang if I can find it now. If I could I'd take a picture of it for you Shaun.

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

I've got a can of Deoxit somewhere around here but dang if I can find it now. If I could I'd take a picture of it for you Shaun.

It's in the Amazon link above. Even stationary knobs will crackle while stationary.

Great, now I've got "Cracklin' Rosie" running through my head....

Steve Carlton · 09-20-2021, 02:32 PM

My job is done.

Scott Douglas · Scott Douglas's Garage

I think I bought this stuff instead of Deoxit, as it is pretty harsh if I recall.

This says it's safe on plastics.

stevej37 · 09-20-2021, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

My job is done.

Steve Carlton · 09-20-2021, 02:48 PM

But wait- there's more!

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

I think I bought this stuff instead of Deoxit, as it is pretty harsh if I recall.

WD40 works fine.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 09-20-2021, 03:51 PM

Wow, thanks for all the great info. It's at a friend's house now, he decided he didn't want to mess with. Will get it this weekend and use all the good advice.

I did mount it about 9 feet high so it wouldn't get so much dust and debris and almost certainly sanded aluminum dust in it. If I can get it working, I'll put some sort of case around it to protect it better.

908/930 · 908/930's Garage

You did not say if it makes this noise at random or when adjusting the volume? As mentioned try cleaning the volume pot if that does not work it could be one of the DC power supply capacitors, also a pretty easy fix if you can get to them. It has multi channels do they all make the noise?

Superman · 09-20-2021, 04:24 PM

Even if the crackling does not occur when the knobs/switches are being moved, we cannot rule out dirty pots and switches. DeOxit has solve many mysterious problems with my electronics. Some sheet metal cover will likely need to be removed to access the contact portions of the pots and switches. Only a TINY amount of DeOxit is needed on each component. Such a small amount that it is very difficult to get only that small amount to come out of the can. Then work the pot/switch for a few seconds.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 09-20-2021, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 908/930

You did not say if it makes this noise at random or when adjusting the volume? As mentioned try cleaning the volume pot if that does not work it could be one of the DC power supply capacitors, also a pretty easy fix if you can get to them. It has multi channels do they all make the noise?

It makes noise all the time. I'm only using 2 channels. I had thought of using others to see what would happen but my friend said to bring it over. then to pick it up.