Problem with Ashdown Mark King Head

[thellon0]

I just bought a secondhand Mark King Rackmount head off ebay in "mint condition".

However, when I plugged it in and powered it on, no sound. no hiss, hum, crackle, nothing. I had it plugged out from the speakon to two 8ohm cabs, which would equal a 4ohm load.

What was interesting is that the VU meter registers a signal, and I could take a line out from the ashdown into another amplifier and play through that just find. It seems just the power section is having issues.

I've already looked through some similar threads on this type of issue with ashdown, and after reading inspected all the fuses, specifically the two sitting right at the end of the preamp section. they all look fine.

Not sure what else it could be, or if this is even a problem that could happen with shipping? The amp itself was packaged really well, so I don't see how it could work on departure and not on arrival.

I can always take this to a repair shop, but I would like to have an idea of what the problem is before I go.

Any thoughts/suggestions on what the problem might be? Any help is much appreciated...

 

[alexofc69]

WOW! Strange. I have an MK500 with no problems after 2+ years. These are very solid and reliable amps. So my suggestion is contact Ashdown Tech support. they should be able to steer you into the right direction.
http://www.ashdownmusic.com/tech/tech_service.asp

 

[thellon0]

I'll guess I have to do that. I wasn't sure how helpful they would be since i'm not the original owner, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to ask.

 

[unlined4string]

You may want to check on whether the Ashdown Speakon output uses the same connectors for + and - as the speaker cabinets and the cable.

For example if the amp uses Speakon +1/-1 and the cabinets use Speakon +1/-1 and the cable is wired for +1/-1 at both ends, all should be well.

But if the amp uses +1/-1 and the cabinets uses +2/-2 (like for example Bag End cabinets) and the cable is wired for +1/-1 at both ends, you would get no sound.

 

[thellon0]

didn't even think of that...

but not sure that would be the issue either, because I used the 1/4 output as well, and no sound there either.

I did message Ashdown; we'll see if they offer any insight.

 

[alexofc69]

let us know the outcome.

 

[thellon0]

Still haven't heard back from ashdown, but I took the amp to a repair shop in the area. They'll be looking it over and letting me know what's up.

I talked to the seller and supposedly he only bought this thing from American Musical 5 months ago. Kinda weird...

but yeah, I'll be sure to update.

 

[thellon0]

A week now and no response from Ashdown...I don't find that very pleasing.

On the other hand, I had the amp checked out at a good repair shop, and their analysis is that the amp has an intermittent power fault. With labor and parts, about a $150 repair...

Does anyone actually know what an intermittent power fault is?? I've heard of other Ashdowns having this as an issue, but am still curious as to what it is...

 

[Low D.]

Are you in the US and bought this amp from the US?

 

[thellon0]

Yes, I live in the Washington, DC area and I'm the second owner.

I believe it was originally bought US from american musical supply.