Hello,
For many years I had wanted to get myself a nice hifi system and start listening to vinyl records, so finally this year I decided to take action and after some research and many questions asked to people around me that are into the subject, I have composed the following setup:
- Technics SL-1200 MK2 (circa 1995 production)
- Harman Kardon 330b
- Tannoy Platinum B6
Only the speakers were bought new, while the turntable and amplifier are second hand.
I have started listening to records last September and was very happy with the quality and warmth of the sound, but since one month now the HK is behaving rather oddly, namely the volume control knob. The volume actually seems to jump randomly all the time and it sounds like if a lot of static were accumulating all over the place and messing up with the sound.
After having carefully opened the amplifier to do a visual check, everything seems rather normal - even though I am new to all this ! - and there was no trace of dust or strange stuff lying around, so I did not even tried cleaning it. I have also plucked the knobs out and did some light cleaning, but only the usual dust was to be found. I cannot properly verify behind the volume knob inside, as is bellow the sort of metal box containing the radio station meter.
I am sure the problem somehow comes from the amplifier, as in the first months I had listened to a couple of records that I know very well and these were playing perfectly. The turntable was sold to me by a producer and we tested everything before buying, so I have no doubt about it.
At this point I have plugged out / plugged all the connections (speakers and RCA cables) several times and nothing seems to change.
The HK actually belonged to the husband of the lady who sold it to me, as she was getting rid of all his stuff after he died a couple of years ago. Although I have tested it at her place before buying and everything sounded fine, she has no knowledge of this stuff and she even offered me a couple of her vinyl records, so I have decided not to reach to her for the moment and try to solve the problem on my own, also because I bought for a rather cheap price.
So before I get rid of it or give it to someone who will repair it, I would like to explore further and would love to have your help.
Has anyone here had this same problem? Is it common amongst analog amplifiers generally or rather specific to this model?
Anyway I appreciate all the information and help and I can provide all the details / photos required.
Thank you in advance : )