Vintage Amp Maintenance

[Deunoro Jomo]

Hi guys,

I've been having trouble with my old Carvin SS amp, and the same issue with my old GK 400. When I power the amp on, I get a huge thump coming through the speakers. Especially with my Carvin, the thump is followed by a crackling sound that dies off after a few seconds. I am going to use some DeOxit to clean the pots, but does anyone know how to alleviate the thump as I power these amps on? Thanks!

[RickenBoogie]

Yes, an amp technician, with all the needed testing equipment. Your best bet.

[BassmanPaul]

+1

The AC balance could have shifted and may need to be addressed. All SS amps emit a thump on power on. Most decent amps have a turn on delay that disconnects the speakers until the amp has stabilized and the event has passed.

[craig.p]

To reinforce Paul's point, I have an old Carvin SC3000 that throws a hellatious thump at power-on. But it hasn't ruined one driver in the 30+ years I've owned it, so I consider it a nuisance more than anything else. I suppose I could drill the back panel and install a heavy duty toggle for the speaker outputs. Or maybe attach a big-a** knife switch to the side. Except either of those would destroy the vintage value of the amp which is about $32.50.