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Issue with Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0

J

jonnobass

Jun 22, 2010
4
8
#1
Had a song stopping performance with my Shuttle 6.0 part way through "Angel Eyes." A burst of mush louder pink noise called an early end to an otherwise good song. Seems this link Fix for Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.0 noise problem provides an explanation and remedy with due care.
I had recently purchased the amp in "new" condition. It has worked for a bit but then developed the pink noise generation (lot more low frequency than white noise) issue which commenced when I first turned the unit on. Doing multiple starts and giving it a break, it eventually started normally and sounded great.
Taking on board comments from other TB members, the noise is caused by a fault in the safety protection system. If the 2 pin GST cable/socket is the issue, a dodgy connection failure at start up (or in use) causes the pink noise signal to be triggered and continues until the all clear is given. This would explain why none of the preamp settings change the sound. The only cure is turning off the power.
Before I proceed with carefully doing a jst connector clean, I would like comments from other TB members.
 
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#3
Before creating new problems, there is a factory flat rate service program for that amp that will fix whatever the problem may be (there are quite a few possible causes), plus includes installing any outstanding factory updates and a general servicing. The cost of all parts except the power module and tube (rarely bad) are included.

The flat rate program does NOT apply to amps that repair attempts have been made, the cost typically doubles because we then have to go through everything looking for things that are not part of a regular repair and clean up the mess that has been made. It's a lot more work, but we only return amps that have been repaired and tested to the original factory specs.

So the cost is $100 if you don't attempt to repair it and ~$200 if you do.

You can PM me for information.
 
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#6
agedhorse said:
Before creating new problems, there is a factory flat rate service program for that amp that will fix whatever the problem may be (there are quite a few possible causes), plus includes installing any outstanding factory updates and a general servicing. The cost of all parts except the power module and tube (rarely bad) are included.

The flat rate program does NOT apply to amps that repair attempts have been made, the cost typically doubles because we then have to go through everything looking for things that are not part of a regular repair and clean up the mess that has been made. It's a lot more work, but we only return amps that have been repaired and tested to the original factory specs.

So the cost is $100 if you don't attempt to repair it and ~$200 if you do.

You can PM me for information.
Click to expand...
That's absurdly cheap, if I was in the states I'd send both my Shuttle 6.0 and 9.2 in for some TLC.
 
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#10
agedhorse said:
Before creating new problems, there is a factory flat rate service program for that amp that will fix whatever the problem may be (there are quite a few possible causes), plus includes installing any outstanding factory updates and a general servicing. The cost of all parts except the power module and tube (rarely bad) are included.

The flat rate program does NOT apply to amps that repair attempts have been made, the cost typically doubles because we then have to go through everything looking for things that are not part of a regular repair and clean up the mess that has been made. It's a lot more work, but we only return amps that have been repaired and tested to the original factory specs.

So the cost is $100 if you don't attempt to repair it and ~$200 if you do.

You can PM me for information.
Click to expand...
Great advice. Take it!
agedhorse said:
Before creating new problems, there is a factory flat rate service program for that amp that will fix whatever the problem may be (there are quite a few possible causes), plus includes installing any outstanding factory updates and a general servicing. The cost of all parts except the power module and tube (rarely bad) are included.

The flat rate program does NOT apply to amps that repair attempts have been made, the cost typically doubles because we then have to go through everything looking for things that are not part of a regular repair and clean up the mess that has been made. It's a lot more work, but we only return amps that have been repaired and tested to the original factory specs.

So the cost is $100 if you don't attempt to repair it and ~$200 if you do.

You can PM me for information.
Click to expand...
 
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#12
jonnobass said:
Had a song stopping performance with my Shuttle 6.0 part way through "Angel Eyes." A burst of mush louder pink noise called an early end to an otherwise good song. Seems this link Fix for Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.0 noise problem provides an explanation and remedy with due care.
I had recently purchased the amp in "new" condition. It has worked for a bit but then developed the pink noise generation (lot more low frequency than white noise) issue which commenced when I first turned the unit on. Doing multiple starts and giving it a break, it eventually started normally and sounded great.
Taking on board comments from other TB members, the noise is caused by a fault in the safety protection system. If the 2 pin GST cable/socket is the issue, a dodgy connection failure at start up (or in use) causes the pink noise signal to be triggered and continues until the all clear is given. This would explain why none of the preamp settings change the sound. The only cure is turning off the power.
Before I proceed with carefully doing a jst connector clean, I would like comments from other TB members.
Click to expand...

I can only vigorously suggest taking up on agedhorse's [former Genz Benz Amp & Cab designer/engineer - these are his kids, now Mesa] very reasonable offer. If I were Stateside, I would send both my Streamliner & Neo-PAK in for one of his health "checkup & refurb" regimens - and neither have any issues. Should either ever have an issue (which is not a simple tube replacement issue), they will take that similar trip as for you across the pond & back, both are worth it to me.
 
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#13
baxter_x said:
May we know a bit more about this factory update?
Click to expand...

It depends on the amp model and where in the production cycle it was built. Sometimes it’s due to an issue with a part that has a date code with a higher than average failure rate, sometimes it’s mechanical in nature, but it’s all based on what we see statically from a 15-20 year service history and the benefit of hindsight.

Relsom said:
Upgrading a 6.0 to a 6.2? Not that I have a 6.0, just curious. Are there any updates to the .2 series. I could see cycling my collection through you one at a time before problems begin. They are approaching "vintage" status.
Click to expand...
It’s not possible to update a .0 amp to a .2 amp, the main PCB is different. The .2 amps use the 3DPM dynamics control module which allows for different compression/limiting characteristics as the power amp approaches clipping. It has no effect until you get within ~2dB of rated power. The HPF is a couple Hz lower but not significantly.
 
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#17
climber said:
@agedhorse Do u do this kind of thing for Magellan 800 and Streamliner 900 amps?
Click to expand...
I handle all Genz Benz and Subway amps, I can do the Magellan amps but generally it's better for Scott to handle this (Jeff can set it up).
 
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#20
To the OP, save yourself a lot of headaches and send the amp to agedhorse.

For what it's worth, agedhorse has kept my amp going for many years.

I had similar problem causing the same type of issue you are describing. I dropped the amp and the fall caused the tube socket to crack. The issue was intermittent but when it shorted, it blasted exactly the sound you are describing.

When you send the amp to agedhorse, it is taken care of quickly, correctly and you can not beat his fee. Much love and respect to this guy!
 
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