Carvin R1000 - bad power amp?

NexTnmE · #1 11-09-2011, 12:01 PM

I've got a Carvin RL1000, bought new in 2003, but now one of the two power amps is going bad.

When using the Low Freq power amp only, the sound is distorted, and sometimes has little to no noise what so ever.

The Hi Freq power amp seems to be fine.

Also, when bridged, the problem exists.

I have taken off the lid and the inside is immaculate. Blown it out with compressed air just in case. I've read about a ribbon cable cleaning? Not sure where or what that is.

Any help?

BassmanPaul · #2 11-09-2011, 12:03 PM

When bridged you use both power amps. If one is bad then it won't work by itself OR when in bridge. Sorry but it's tech time.

NexTnmE · #3 11-09-2011, 12:14 PM

I've been reading a few things about re-seating all the connections inside etc... i'll have to try that later tonight...

Jim Carr · #4 11-09-2011, 12:22 PM

I had the same problem. Went to tech and was fixed. Sold it to a friend, and the problem returned—I offered a refund, but I don't think he ever fixed it...

I actually loved the sound of it when it was behaving.

theduke1 · #5 11-09-2011, 07:09 PM

I had a ribbon cable go out on myDCM1540 L power amp, so maybe its just a bad ribbon cable

will33 · #6 11-09-2011, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NexTnmE

I've got a Carvin RL1000, bought new in 2003, but now one of the two power amps is going bad.

When using the Low Freq power amp only, the sound is distorted, and sometimes has little to no noise what so ever.

The Hi Freq power amp seems to be fine.

Also, when bridged, the problem exists.

I have taken off the lid and the inside is immaculate. Blown it out with compressed air just in case. I've read about a ribbon cable cleaning? Not sure where or what that is.

Any help?

The ribbon cable is the thin but very wide one that's made up of a dozen or more tiny wires. Wouldn't hurt to get some De-Oxit and clean all the pots, jacks, switches, connections, etc. That's basic maintainance you can do yourself. If the problems still there you're going to need a pro. Those things are made of modular circuit boards. It wouldn't be to difficult to just replace the board for that power amp if Carvin will sell you one.

NexTnmE · #7 11-11-2011, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will33

The ribbon cable is the thin but very wide one that's made up of a dozen or more tiny wires. Wouldn't hurt to get some De-Oxit and clean all the pots, jacks, switches, connections, etc. That's basic maintainance you can do yourself. If the problems still there you're going to need a pro. Those things are made of modular circuit boards. It wouldn't be to difficult to just replace the board for that power amp if Carvin will sell you one.

Thanks for the info. I will get to this over the weekend. Keep you updated

Floyd Eye · #8 11-11-2011, 06:10 AM

The preamp blew out of my RL1000 about 2 years ago. I still use it, I just use a Sansamp. Taking it to a tech is probably not cost effective. Thes amps sell used pretty cheap.

JLS · #9 11-11-2011, 08:03 AM

I had an R600, same problem, never could fix it--I didn't take it to a tech, cost-prohibitive. The half that worked sounded just fine...

NexTnmE · #10 11-11-2011, 09:08 AM

I'm going to take everything apart, then clean it, then re-seat it. If that doesnt work, I may rewire my 4x10 to run at 2ohms and use the power amp that does work...

BassmanPaul · #11 11-11-2011, 10:05 AM

And the amp will still be faulty and the possibility exists that the other channel will fail because of it.