Strange Audio Issue

Capndad · « **on:** 10 Jan 2016, 05:05 pm »

Hi,
This is my first post, so if it's in the wrong place, don't hesitate to let me know. My 2 channel system is a McIntosh MA6300 running 2 Focal Chorus 720 loudspeakers. I listen to CD's, (Rotel) Vinyl (Linn)and stream music from the web via an Audio Engine Sender/Receiver.

About 1 year ago I started to notice that every so often, (not every time I listen) one of the channels (the issue doesn't seem to favor left or right) would start cutting in and out, or producing static like noise. I checked banana plugs and connections on the back of the Mac and the Focals, tightened everything up, moved the wireless receiver away from the rest of the system,and things seemed to get better.
But it wasn't fixed. The problem continued to happen off and on, but without any rhyme or reason. Then it would just go away.

I took the MA6300 in for repair, and of course they ran the system for 4 days straight with no issue. Brought it home, and it ran without the issue for about 7-8 months. then last week it started again.
I'm now thinking I'll start eliminating gear from the system so that I only run bare bones CD's and Vinyl. The problem is that if that doesn't help, the system could still run for months and then show up sometime down the road. Yesterday I swapped out the 18 Gauge power cord for a 14 gauge.

If anyone has suggestions of any kind I'd appreciate it. My brain is fried with just trying to figure this out.
Cheers,
Cap

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Jan 2016, 08:47 pm »

Welcome Cap

The prob is in the amp?
Seems a prob in the winter only?
From here I would say it may be humidity in the pot volumer.
The vol pot is sealed?

Phil A · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Jan 2016, 09:12 pm »

Welcome to AC! I think you're on the right track. Take out one of the sources and see if the problem goes away. If it doesn't, then I'd assume it is not the source.

Wayner · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Jan 2016, 09:18 pm »

The first place I would start is with the interconnects. Most system problems are mechanical (IMO) and I would start there by either replacing or swapping (between left and right). Sometimes atmospheric film from "living" will form on connectors and cause intermittent problems......

'ner

charmerci · « **Reply #4 on:** 12 Jan 2016, 05:17 pm »

Quote from: Capndad on 10 Jan 2016, 05:05 pm

About 1 year ago I started to notice that every so often, (not every time I listen) one of the channels (the issue doesn't seem to favor left or right) would start cutting in and out, or producing static like noise.
Cap

Maybe it's just dirty contacts? Some Caig DeOxIt would work. Spray/drip on, rotate contacts.

Rocket · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Jan 2016, 06:11 am »

Hi,

I've had a similiar issue in the past and it turned out to be an intermittent problem with the interconnect. Swap them out for something inexpensive from BJC or Signalcable for an experiment.

Cheers Rod