Advice for unreliable amp

[J-L Bass]

Hey guys.

So I have the following setup:

-EBS reidmar from 2015 head amp (it's transistor not tube/valve)
-MarkBass Traveler 2x10

This has been working 9 times out of 10, the 10th time, it turns on but no sound comes out, additional potential clues: the integrated compressor seems dead (I always leave it at 0 now), rarely, the sound came out and then off again or on weak and spitting a little.
Again, most times it works fine but I can't go out gigging with something unreliable, I have troubleshooting steps to find the source of the issue when it happens but I've not been able to apply them as it has been turning on fine recently.
I have tried very hard looking for a pro to look at it once and for all in my area but to not avail, impossible to put my hand on someone that works with that type of stuff around here.

So if anyone has a hint of what that could be, how to fix or maybe who to contact Around Dublin county in ireland (tried Sean Coleman lots of times and other shops and such, either never answered or don't do this type of amp).

Cheers lads.

 

[gtirard]

I sympathize, there's nothing worse than intermittent problems.

I would get a spare amp, and then:

• Either continue using the Reidmar, and be ready to apply the troubleshooting procedure in case it fails again, having the spare amp as a backup in case you're not able to make the Reidmar work again.
• Or send the amp to Reidmar for repair (and use the spare amp in the meantime).

You can choose a cheap spare amp, or a good one. I would try to find a used Quilter BB800 or 802, because it's reliable, small and lightweight, it sounds great, and it's not too expensive (great value for money). But there are a lot of other good class D amp out there that are affordable, reliable and sound good.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Hey guys.

So I have the following setup:

-EBS reidmar from 2015 head amp (it's transistor not tube/valve)
-MarkBass Traveler 2x10

This has been working 9 times out of 10, the 10th time, it turns on but no sound comes out, additional potential clues: the integrated compressor seems dead (I always leave it at 0 now), rarely, the sound came out and then off again or on weak and spitting a little.
Again, most times it works fine but I can't go out gigging with something unreliable, I have troubleshooting steps to find the source of the issue when it happens but I've not been able to apply them as it has been turning on fine recently.
I have tried very hard looking for a pro to look at it once and for all in my area but to not avail, impossible to put my hand on someone that works with that type of stuff around here.

So if anyone has a hint of what that could be, how to fix or maybe who to contact Around Dublin county in ireland (tried Sean Coleman lots of times and other shops and such, either never answered or don't do this type of amp).

Cheers lads.

Which Reidmar? I use the 750. Stuff that's truly broken doesn't repair itself so that shows some promise. IIRC, the comp is inserted at the end of the chain so, if there's compromise further upstream, it will see no signal. First thing I would do is jump the FX send / return with a signal cable as this is always suspect. If no sound at all, I'd also turn the mains to -0- then goose the gain to see if the front end is "seeing" signal. We'll work from there.

BTW & anecdotally: my main volume is really scratch & squirrelly with some dead-spots in the travel. Sweeping it back 'n forth cleans things up.

Riis

 

[Aloe]

1. double-check your speakon cable with a tester. maybe some intermittent contact?
2. verify if the post-EQ DI works when it cuts out

if cable is okay and the post-EQ DI works, that narrows it down to the power amp. if the post-EQ DI doesn't work, it's all together different.

and I'd write EBS, they're usually very helpful and maybe can suggest you a tech in your area.

 

[Chris Chong]

I once thought my d350 was down, sound would turn into a loud buzz occasionally, so I send it for repair.

Bought another amp while waiting for the repair, but the problem is still there. The problem was with the bass….

 

[Minimalist]

As others have indicated, do proper troubleshooting first. Start with the simple stuff. Bass, instrument cables, speaker, speaker cables. Not sure if it is tech approved but I would also (lightly) slap the amp and carefully shake. Basically, things that would happen when transporting the amp.

Also, any and all information should be posted or communicated to the tech. You say for example that the amp turns on but no sound. What happened in between no sound and sound again? Again, every little detail matters.

 

[J-L Bass]

Thanks for the answer guys, I guess my best shot right now is to get a small back up until I can troubleshoot properly and get it fixed.

 

[Kansas]

Agreed with zooberworx , if there's an FX loop, put a patch cable one to the other. A very common problem. Hope that helps.

 

[agedhorse]

Once you rule out the simple and common causes (effects loop, SpeakOn plugs and external causes like the bass and any pedals), your best bet is to contact EBS and ask them for help. They have the resources and knowledge to help better than anyone.

 

[Killing Floor]

Have you tried the get a new one trick?

 

[DWBass]

Check your bass as well. Battery? Cable? Jack?

 

[Thumpin6string]

First most common thing that can cause intermittent cutting out or volume drop is dirty effects send and return jacks. Easiest way to check this is a patch cable connecting the 2 jacks. If it solves it, a spritz of Deoxit on a plug inserted and removed a couple times should clean the jacks. If you do need a tech to take a look, I highly recommend TB member Hand Slap. He is an awesome seasoned amp tech.

 

[agedhorse]

OP’s in Ireland

 

[Wasnex]

Intermittent problems can be the worst. Lot's of stories from people who took their amp to the tech, and the problem did not manifest. So you get stuck with a bench fee and still have a sketchy amp.

My feeling is it's probably best to get a back up. If the amp progresses to the point where the problem can be induced reliably, assess whether it's worth paying for repair.

I will restate, that it's possible the problem has nothing to do with the amp. I have a bunch of amps set up, and run a speaker cord to whichever amp I want to play. One of the amps was intermittent and sometimes produced a bit of gritty distortion. Turns out a wire was loose in the speakON cable that I run to the amp. I tightened the screw that holds the wire and the problem went away. The same cable worked reliably with other amps.

 

[DWBass]

Turns out a wire was loose in the SpeakON cable that I run to the amp. I tightened the screw that holds the wire and the problem went away. The same cable worked reliably with other amps.

Let me guess............Monster cable maybe? I had a similar problem but I didn't blame the amp. I thought my cabs were going bad. Turns out it was a speaker cable by Monster. They solder the connectors and the soldering came loose and was making intermittent connection. No issues with any of my other cables. I fixed (screwed in the wires, no soldering) the cable using a new SpeakOn connector and relegated it to a backup. Thoroughly check all your cables.

 

[Topkat13]

Buy one that’s reliable.

 

[Wasnex]

Monster cable maybe

I don't think I own any Monster speaker cables.

 

[DWBass]

I don't think I own any Monster speaker cables.

That's a good thing.

 

[J Wilson]

I'd second @agedhorse's advice:

I'd check with EBS who their authorized service agents are in Ireland. Amps have become very bespoke and complex, and techs with enough knowledge and experience to fix any amp are rare. An EBS center would specialize in your amp.

 

[jimmydean]

Number one , buy another amp and then contact EBS about servicing your amp . Is it worth the cost if you also have to ship ?