Issue with Marantz Amplifier distortion- Need Advice

[ae35unit]

Hi Everyone -
I have a Marantz Amplifier, model PM-66SE. Its connected to several devices including a Digital Radio/Media Player, a Satellite Box, a CD, and a Sate;;ite receiver.

The issue I have been having is that there is distortion coming from one or both channels, intermittantly. I have been attemting to nail down the issue. It is not related to Speaker Cables, and its not one of the specific devices. It seems to be related to the source switching *** on the Amplifier itself. When changing between sources there is distortion, as though the knob itself has an issue.

Id like some advice on what i can do to correct this issue. Iv been having problems descibing the issue, as the terms i am using are probably quite vague. Any advice that could be offered would be greatly appreciated.

Is the issue one which i can repair myself? There seems to be quite a buid up of dust inside the amp. Would cleaning it out help?

Thanks in advance,

Liamo

 

[Shrek]

Hi Everyone -
I have a Marantz Amplifier, model PM-66SE. Its connected to several devices including a Digital Radio/Media Player, a Satellite Box, a CD, and a Sate;;ite receiver.

The issue I have been having is that there is distortion coming from one or both channels, intermittantly. I have been attemting to nail down the issue. It is not related to Speaker Cables, and its not one of the specific devices. It seems to be related to the source switching *** on the Amplifier itself. When changing between sources there is distortion, as though the knob itself has an issue.

Id like some advice on what i can do to correct this issue. Iv been having problems descibing the issue, as the terms i am using are probably quite vague. Any advice that could be offered would be greatly appreciated.

Is the issue one which i can repair myself? There seems to be quite a buid up of dust inside the amp. Would cleaning it out help?

Thanks in advance,

Liamo

If theres a build of of dust its worth cleaning it and get some switch cleaner give the switches a blast.

 

[matthewpianist]

Dry (solder) joints are a common issue on these, so if cleaning doesn't resolve the issue, it's worth getting it checked over and serviced.

 

[Gray]

Is the issue one which i can repair myself?

Yes

There seems to be quite a buid up of dust inside the amp. Would cleaning it out help?

That alone won't cure your issue, but you should do it.
After isolating the amp from the mains, first get rid of the dust then clean the contacts of all switches and rotary controls.

I had the KI version of that amp - the 'source / direct' mini switch on that (and similar Marantz models) is notoriously vulnerable to contamination.
The tape switches are the same - all input sources go through them so they need to be clean.

A leaf blower on full blast is great for removing all loose internal dust (best done outside your house).

A can of Servisol Super 10 is your switch cleaner. Its spray must reach the contacts of all switches - and the wipers and carbon tracks of all rotaries.
The supplied thin plastic tube helps with that - you'll see access holes in the metal cases of volume, tone and balance controls.

After spraying, activate push switches and turn rotaries fully up and down a few times.

You should find your problem is solved.

PS You mentioned the source selector knob.
You'll need to follow the activation link from it to the actual switch that requires cleaning.

 

[Al ears]

Yes

Yes.
As Shrek said - after isolating the amp from the mains, get rid of the dust and clean the contacts of all switches and rotary controls.

(I had the KI version of that amp - the 'source / direct' mini switch on that (and similar Marantz models) is notoriously vulnerable to contamination).

A leaf blower on full blast is great for removing all loose internal dust (best done outside your house).

A can of Servisol Super 10 is your switch cleaner. Its spray must reach the contacts of all switches - and the wiper / carbon tracks of all rotaries.
After spraying, activate push switches and turn rotaries fully up and down a few times.

You should find your problem is solved.

Hopefully......

 

[Gray]

Hopefully......

I'd bet money on it....and I'm not a gambler 👍