Amp cuts out after a while
posted by Blueshift on Oct 17, 2007
The amp works great for an hour or so then starts to crackle and cut out intermittently. Any ideas?
Comment posted on Nov 10, 2007
Thanks Koolkidkip! It's not a tube amp, so that rules that out. As for the OHM load, not too sure how to check that. I'll try reducing the signal going to the amp and turning up the gain on the unit, so if that helps... the problem is it would cost about $100 to have someone look at it, and it's about $150 to replace it! (I sure appreciate the suggestions though!)
Clarification Request
Posted by elliotwilson on Dec 04, 2008
@ Cloudio.
Hi,
Any chance you could elaboarate on your solution?
Where would I find a 44.62.9.012 12VCD Coil 2x 10A changeover relay and are they expensive?
Was this the only thing you replaced? I have no idea about electronics unfortunatly but I may approach someone who does so knowing what to replace and where to get it from would be very useful.
Is your amplifier still working perfectly now after a few days of use?
Oh yeah, Alesis have ignored every one of my emails on their technical support page. What is more frustrating is that other amplifiers on the market at the price range (i.e Samson) are apparently fitted with the same components as the Alesis RA series so I assume they would have this problem too. This makes looking for a replacement amp on a budget very difficult.
7 Other Users Have The Same Problem
Posted by Guest on Oct 09, 2008
I fully agree with MUSICTRACER Alesis are seriously in error here. They should have recalled this problem but instead they try to fudge the issue. I for one am NEVER going to buy anothe Alesis amp.
Posted by MUSICTRACER on Oct 06, 2008
Hi to all. I am also experiencing the same problems - you guys posted - with my RA300. I have sent it to 2 electronics engineer and none could justify the problem. I hope that suggesting shirty2008's solution will help them solve it since I don't know much about electronics... But what seriously should be done is a mass response to Alesis. They have to do something about their so many disappointed costumers...
Yours,
VAL
Yours,
VAL
Posted by Guest on Sep 17, 2008
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This post is in response to Irishsounds solution.
I too have tried to contact Alesis directly but was totally ignored. The fact that we are all having the same or similar problems speaks volumes and shows it’s definitely the build of the amplifier and not just an isolated case. Certainly I've looked after my amplifier carefully and adhered to all the maintenance guidelines and recommendations set out in their instructions. Quite frankly this puts me off purchasing another amplifier by them. It sort of reminds me of the internal problems of Microsoft's Xbox 360 which caused the same problems for many people before they changed some components in the newer models.
I have noticed that if I tap the top of the amplifier lightly it will either fix the problem for a few seconds or completely cut the sound out in which case I have to turn the amp off and on again.
I agree with you that it is likely an internal mechanical problem with a component or soldering but I wouldn’t have a clue where to start if I were to open it up. Does anyone know how long the RA series of amplifiers are under warranty for?
I gather Alesis won’t help at all without it being covered by warranty but it may be worth showing them this topic.
I too have tried to contact Alesis directly but was totally ignored. The fact that we are all having the same or similar problems speaks volumes and shows it’s definitely the build of the amplifier and not just an isolated case. Certainly I've looked after my amplifier carefully and adhered to all the maintenance guidelines and recommendations set out in their instructions. Quite frankly this puts me off purchasing another amplifier by them. It sort of reminds me of the internal problems of Microsoft's Xbox 360 which caused the same problems for many people before they changed some components in the newer models.
I have noticed that if I tap the top of the amplifier lightly it will either fix the problem for a few seconds or completely cut the sound out in which case I have to turn the amp off and on again.
I agree with you that it is likely an internal mechanical problem with a component or soldering but I wouldn’t have a clue where to start if I were to open it up. Does anyone know how long the RA series of amplifiers are under warranty for?
I gather Alesis won’t help at all without it being covered by warranty but it may be worth showing them this topic.
Posted by elliotwilson on Aug 20, 2008
Hey, well this is a start, i have found people experiencing the same problems.
I have been using the Alesis RA300 amplifier within my studio setup, to power my Alesis Monitor One MK2 speakers. My whole setup has worked great for years but recently problems have started.
After around 30-40 minutes of it beinbg on, playing music, one of the speakers begins to crackle then cut out completly. Which speaker channel this is, often alternates but its usualy the left. I thought it may be a problem with the speakers or wiring but now I am certain it is the amplifier.
The reason I am certain is because when the speaker cuts out, if I turn off the amplifier four about 5 minutes then turn it on again, everything works fine. It is like the amp needs a rest every 30 minutes. This is really frustrating me so I emailed Alesis with the problem. As of yet, I have not had a response from them. I may point them to this post.
If anyone has a working solution to combat this, I would be grateful to hear it. I really dont want to purchase another amplifier just yet.
I have been using the Alesis RA300 amplifier within my studio setup, to power my Alesis Monitor One MK2 speakers. My whole setup has worked great for years but recently problems have started.
After around 30-40 minutes of it beinbg on, playing music, one of the speakers begins to crackle then cut out completly. Which speaker channel this is, often alternates but its usualy the left. I thought it may be a problem with the speakers or wiring but now I am certain it is the amplifier.
The reason I am certain is because when the speaker cuts out, if I turn off the amplifier four about 5 minutes then turn it on again, everything works fine. It is like the amp needs a rest every 30 minutes. This is really frustrating me so I emailed Alesis with the problem. As of yet, I have not had a response from them. I may point them to this post.
If anyone has a working solution to combat this, I would be grateful to hear it. I really dont want to purchase another amplifier just yet.
Posted by Stonegnome on Feb 19, 2008
I have an RA-150 with exactly the same problem in the right channel.
The amp runs fine for a while and then gives a crackle and cuts out,
usually if there has been a sudden level increase. Switch off and wait 30 mins seems to be the only solution that works for me... :(
Best Solution
posted on Sep 17, 2008
ApprenticeI had the same problem with my RA150.
Searching the net found Samson Servo 170 has same problem.
Further search reveals its exactly the same circuit as Alesis RA150 - Mmmm!!
the fix? change the relay on PSU board (the black boxrear right. It's a 12vdc double pole changeover type.
I used an Omron G2R-2A (only has the contacts that are used - has two pins missing).
Perfect amp now - very happy
Hope this helps someone else.
Searching the net found Samson Servo 170 has same problem.
Further search reveals its exactly the same circuit as Alesis RA150 - Mmmm!!
the fix? change the relay on PSU board (the black boxrear right. It's a 12vdc double pole changeover type.
I used an Omron G2R-2A (only has the contacts that are used - has two pins missing).
Perfect amp now - very happy
Hope this helps someone else.
Best Solution
posted on Sep 17, 2008
Not a solution as such but maybe a pointer:
I have exactly the same problem first in one channel then in both. I wrote to Alesis - but they were completly unhelpful on the matter and could suggest no solution.
I found that by giging the amp a tap the sound came on. This means the problem is affected mechanically - that sounds to me like a dry solder joint or similar. It might also be a faulty capacitor they can sometimes be affected by tapping.
To date I have not been able to locate the exact point of the problem - I am pissed off with Alesis and wont but another amp from them.
I have exactly the same problem first in one channel then in both. I wrote to Alesis - but they were completly unhelpful on the matter and could suggest no solution.
I found that by giging the amp a tap the sound came on. This means the problem is affected mechanically - that sounds to me like a dry solder joint or similar. It might also be a faulty capacitor they can sometimes be affected by tapping.
To date I have not been able to locate the exact point of the problem - I am pissed off with Alesis and wont but another amp from them.
Comment posted on Sep 17, 2008
Shirty2008 That sound about right for the sort of problem being expressed - a relay with dodgy contacts would explain ALL the symptoms. Must try this - Thanks
Comment posted on Sep 17, 2008
Sorry Guys I'm new here and posted a comment to my own post. Hopefully it will go to the right place this time.
@Shirty2008
That sound just about right place to look for the sort of problems being expressed - a relay with dodgy contacts would explain just about ALL the symptoms. Must try this one - Thanks
@Shirty2008
That sound just about right place to look for the sort of problems being expressed - a relay with dodgy contacts would explain just about ALL the symptoms. Must try this one - Thanks
Comment posted on Sep 21, 2008
The Alesis Ra300 Ra150 etc amp problems have highlighted a issue so common these days where a company sinply tries to ignore service issues. On that basis I am publishing here my correspondence with Alesis and the addresses to which others may write with complaints. I think we should spread the word far and wide to Alesis customers.
To Alesis:
Hi - I have been using an RA300 for about 2 years and must say I am most pleased with the performance. It has however developed an intermittent fault seperatel in both channels. The sound kicks in and out every so often, and a sharp tap on the case can correct it.
I suspect a dry joint is the problem. The fault seems exactly the same sort of thing on both channels BUT happens seperately and independently.
What I am hoping is that you guys might have indentified this problem and can point me in the right direction. I am an engineer myself and also have access to a firstclass tech guy so no problem with the repairs here. I would help a lot to have a pointer as to where to looks for the problem.
Thanks,
Tony McGinley
Alesis Replies:
Hi, It will be hard to diagnose without looking in the unit, as you probably realize. It does sound like a dry joint so it’s definitely worth looking at the circuitry for the amp modules.
Best regards
Ian Bigg
Technical Service & Support
Numark Alesis Europe Ltd
Tel: 01252 353850
Fax: 01252 353811
email: ibigg@numark.com
To Alesis:
Thanks for the reply Ian,
I would seem not to be the only one with this problem - I found several on a Google. Hey!! - you cannot be serious about looking for the problem in the "amp" modules. Imagine amp modules in an amplifier!!! Whatever will they think of next!! Can I quote you on the forums???
Seriously, Alesis must have a listing of faults, and this seems a common enough fault, is it possible to reference a database and get a list of the most connon dry joints that cause a clean sound cut??
Cheers,
Tony McGinley
Alesis:
Hi,
Unfortunately there isn't a list of "common" faults that we can look at for you. The only way we are going to know what the fault is, is by looking in the unit.
Best regards
Ian Bigg
Technical Service & Support
To Alesis
Hi Again, If Alesis hasn't found a common fault link - then I have. Here is a discussion where at least 5 people have much the same fault. There is also a good suggested fix by shirty2008.
You will also notice that people are well annoyed with Alesis on the lack of interest in this obvious problem.
Here is the link: http://www.fixya.com/support/t224708-amp_cuts_out_after_while
Can you offer a recommendation regarding the problem being related to a faulty 12volt changeover relay??
Regards,
Tony McGinley
To Alesis:
Hi - I have been using an RA300 for about 2 years and must say I am most pleased with the performance. It has however developed an intermittent fault seperatel in both channels. The sound kicks in and out every so often, and a sharp tap on the case can correct it.
I suspect a dry joint is the problem. The fault seems exactly the same sort of thing on both channels BUT happens seperately and independently.
What I am hoping is that you guys might have indentified this problem and can point me in the right direction. I am an engineer myself and also have access to a firstclass tech guy so no problem with the repairs here. I would help a lot to have a pointer as to where to looks for the problem.
Thanks,
Tony McGinley
Alesis Replies:
Hi, It will be hard to diagnose without looking in the unit, as you probably realize. It does sound like a dry joint so it’s definitely worth looking at the circuitry for the amp modules.
Best regards
Ian Bigg
Technical Service & Support
Numark Alesis Europe Ltd
Tel: 01252 353850
Fax: 01252 353811
email: ibigg@numark.com
To Alesis:
Thanks for the reply Ian,
I would seem not to be the only one with this problem - I found several on a Google. Hey!! - you cannot be serious about looking for the problem in the "amp" modules. Imagine amp modules in an amplifier!!! Whatever will they think of next!! Can I quote you on the forums???
Seriously, Alesis must have a listing of faults, and this seems a common enough fault, is it possible to reference a database and get a list of the most connon dry joints that cause a clean sound cut??
Cheers,
Tony McGinley
Alesis:
Hi,
Unfortunately there isn't a list of "common" faults that we can look at for you. The only way we are going to know what the fault is, is by looking in the unit.
Best regards
Ian Bigg
Technical Service & Support
To Alesis
Hi Again, If Alesis hasn't found a common fault link - then I have. Here is a discussion where at least 5 people have much the same fault. There is also a good suggested fix by shirty2008.
You will also notice that people are well annoyed with Alesis on the lack of interest in this obvious problem.
Here is the link: http://www.fixya.com/support/t224708-amp_cuts_out_after_while
Can you offer a recommendation regarding the problem being related to a faulty 12volt changeover relay??
Regards,
Tony McGinley
Best Solution
posted on Nov 10, 2007
I have some Ideas , Two come to mind.Check the OHM load that you are driving it at most amplifiers start having trouble if they are ran at medium volume of higher at less than a two ohm load.This can happen if you are driving two 4 ohm speakers on each channel.If you are running the amp bridged the problem is doubled.
If it is a tube amp or tube preamp in the setup,Try replacing the tubes. They do not last very long if used every day or professionally.
Please wright us back and let us know if this is the problem,If it is not there are only about 100 other things it could be.
Thank You
Koolkidkip
If it is a tube amp or tube preamp in the setup,Try replacing the tubes. They do not last very long if used every day or professionally.
Please wright us back and let us know if this is the problem,If it is not there are only about 100 other things it could be.
Thank You
Koolkidkip
Solution #5
posted on Nov 24, 2008
I sent this to Alesis today. hope it helps!
Dear Ian,
I owned a RA300 for about 2 years and am mostly pleased with the performance. However, it recently developed an intermittent problem with both channels cutting in/out (manly the right channel) with crackle here and there. a tap on the case can correct it sometimes.
I noticed after I googled the symptoms other people have the same problem and would like to be pointed in the direction of a solution. I have worked as a technician for a major audio company and understand that liability and policy often keep an employee from offering this kind of information.
with that said, and because it looks to be obvious manufactures defect, I'm asking you to fix my amp beyond the warranty (free of charge) or email me the solution and I'll do it myself. please let me know.
Thank you,
Anthony Krause
Dear Ian,
I owned a RA300 for about 2 years and am mostly pleased with the performance. However, it recently developed an intermittent problem with both channels cutting in/out (manly the right channel) with crackle here and there. a tap on the case can correct it sometimes.
I noticed after I googled the symptoms other people have the same problem and would like to be pointed in the direction of a solution. I have worked as a technician for a major audio company and understand that liability and policy often keep an employee from offering this kind of information.
with that said, and because it looks to be obvious manufactures defect, I'm asking you to fix my amp beyond the warranty (free of charge) or email me the solution and I'll do it myself. please let me know.
Thank you,
Anthony Krause
Solution #6
posted on Jan 27, 2008
I have an RA500 with a similar problem - for a few months now, often the left channel would be "crackly" and cut out, but then seem to "warm up" and be fine. Now, the right channel started to behave like Blueshift's RA150, crackly and cut out. There's no problem with load; I'm using 6 ohm Polk Audio Model 11 studio monitors (circa 1982 and still some of the best speakers I've ever heard, IMHO). Note that these behaviors have nothing to do with volume, either - I typically run the amp's controls between 9 and 12 o'clock.
The amp is only about 15 mos old, so I wouldn't think caps are going yet from age, unless they were crappy to start with.
Thoughts?
The amp is only about 15 mos old, so I wouldn't think caps are going yet from age, unless they were crappy to start with.
Thoughts?
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7 Other Users Have The Same Problem - Continued
Comment by Guest, posted on Feb 08, 2008
The RA150 is connected to a pari of Alesis Monitor One MKIIs.
Channel one will start to crackle a bit but I if crank it up then back to the original posistion it goes way for a bit. Cleaned the volume pots and swapped them beteeen channels so it's not that.
There are a few resistors that looked pretty cooked. Wonder if there is some heat damage. Sounds like an input gate malfunction.
Channel one will start to crackle a bit but I if crank it up then back to the original posistion it goes way for a bit. Cleaned the volume pots and swapped them beteeen channels so it's not that.
There are a few resistors that looked pretty cooked. Wonder if there is some heat damage. Sounds like an input gate malfunction.
Comment by AudioAmateur, posted on Dec 26, 2007
I have 3 speakers hooked to a 2-channel amp, it works great when the car is not started, just in acc mode, but when started and driving somewhere, the amp cuts off, I have these 3 speakers bridge on a 300w amp. What could be the problem. email address - dragonwarriorjb@yahoo.com
Thanks
David
Thanks
David
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