What do you do when you system isn't working like you think it should?

jtwrace · « **on:** 19 Jul 2010, 02:16 pm »

We've all had issues...the question is how do you handle it?

This should be fun!!!

eclein · « **Reply #1 on:** 19 Jul 2010, 02:27 pm »

Good thread...I do both 1 & 2 until problem is solved.

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #2 on:** 19 Jul 2010, 02:29 pm »

I give it a rest, think about, try moving things around and if all else fails, make changes.

Niteshade · « **Reply #3 on:** 19 Jul 2010, 03:12 pm »

I determine the root of the problem via a process of elimination. For example, if a channel has no output, I will:

1] Exchange L & R interconnects
2] Check speaker wires
3] Exchange tubes from left to right side, starting with small signal tubes
4] Check input selector on preamp (bad switch?)

It's always best to start with the simple tests, like swapping the interconnects & checking speaker cables. The same format of beginning with easy tests can be done with any problem. Most of the time it's something small that causes a problem.

Letitroll98 · « **Reply #4 on:** 19 Jul 2010, 03:54 pm »

Depends on what's wrong. Loss of signal, channel imbalance, noise or hum, I go with Niteshade's suggestions, KISS. If it's more ethereal, loss of soundstage depth, indistinct bass, tizzy highs, etc., I might swap out components or adjust my cartridge alignment. Last resort is asking for help...or directions.

BobM · « **Reply #5 on:** 19 Jul 2010, 04:35 pm »

Sometimes it's not the system.
- could be the music/mastering
- could be my mindset
- could be the power
- could be I need a beer
- could be the volume level

I may fiddle a bit if something doesn't sound right, but usually not too much. I'll just come back another day/time and see if the issue still persists before I try and chase down any perceived "problem". Usually it's not there when I listen next.

Mostly my system stays fairly static, so there's litle reason to think that something may have inexplicably "gone wrong". If I fiddle it's usually with the turntable, since that can be improved sometimes with a little adjustment. But what's to adjust in the digital area, unless maybe a preamp tube is going bad?

rollo · « **Reply #6 on:** 19 Jul 2010, 04:58 pm »

Actually none of the above. It is either poor power [ voltage cut] or ones mood. If it sounded fine the day before it is not the system.
We do not listen until the system has played music for a least one hour ensuring all is up to ideal operating temp.

charles

jtwrace · « **Reply #7 on:** 19 Jul 2010, 05:01 pm »

Quote from: rollo on 19 Jul 2010, 04:58 pm

Actually none of the above. It is either poor power [ voltage cut] or ones mood. If it sounded fine the day before it is not the system.
We do not listen until the system has played music for a least one hour ensuring all is up to ideal operating temp.

charles

You can vote now...I've added one for you.

JimJ · « **Reply #8 on:** 19 Jul 2010, 05:03 pm »

Pour another scotch...

rollo · « **Reply #9 on:** 19 Jul 2010, 05:34 pm »

Quote from: jtwrace on 19 Jul 2010, 05:01 pm

You can vote now...I've added one for you.

Thank you sir.

charles

Niteshade · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 Jul 2010, 05:39 pm »

Sometimes misinformation can drive you CRAZY! I won something on Ebay and was told it worked on 240V. Hooked it up to 240V and the fuse blows. So- I took it apart to see if there was a short. Come to find out, the thing operates on 120V. It did not come with a power cord and uses an IEC power socket- so there was no way of knowing. Luckily nothing was damaged. It also said 240V on the chassis. It must have been rewired at some point.

Be careful with mislabeled electronics. They are a PITA!

CSI · « **Reply #11 on:** 19 Jul 2010, 05:39 pm »

Quote from: BobM on 19 Jul 2010, 04:35 pm

Sometimes it's not the system.
- could be the music/mastering
- could be my mindset
- could be the power
- could be I need a beer
- could be the volume level

I may fiddle a bit if something doesn't sound right, but usually not too much. I'll just come back another day/time and see if the issue still persists before I try and chase down any perceived "problem". Usually it's not there when I listen next.

Mostly my system stays fairly static, so there's litle reason to think that something may have inexplicably "gone wrong". If I fiddle it's usually with the turntable, since that can be improved sometimes with a little adjustment. But what's to adjust in the digital area, unless maybe a preamp tube is going bad?

As for #4 above, an honest audio reviewer was once asked to name the most cost effective way to improve the sound of any audio system. His answer: a bottle of single malt scotch.

Elizabeth · « **Reply #12 on:** 19 Jul 2010, 05:54 pm »

Two questions in that one: First: if an obvious problem has arisen, I will assume you are NOT asking about that one. BUT, if you are, i would find the problem if eeasily findable right then. If it is a complex problem i would wait til the next day. If it was a component, i would probably toss it. (I hate broken stuff, and will usually NOT pay to fix it, if i cannot fix it myself.)
Second: DISSATISFACTION with some component of the sound quality.
This second question is the driving force behind all Audiophilia.
And I would Do NONE OF THE ABOVE. in your questionaire.
I know my system will never be perfect. So I do not worry about it.
I also: KNOW WHAT " I " WANT MOST from my system: clarity is #1, treble purity is #2 skip 3,4,5 then third need way down, low level detail, and tone.
You can see bass is NOT on my needs list. nor is warmth, though leaness is to be avoided.
When I want to play around with some tweak or other, I do. When I don't, I don't... (How Zen like of me)
When I am actively changing equipment and engaged in critical listening, I just listen, and think of what is the area I can change or tweak to alter that characteristic.
I have found I trust my own instincts (46 years of stereo putzing) far more than a post from another person.
I do not ask anyone. I may 'blog' about the issue, just to say something about an issue that bothers me.
i still would like a bit more clarity.....
My analog does, my digital is a bit short on it. The compensation to rid me of other problems is adding a bit of a veil over the digital, as a neccessity to get rid of the digital tizzyness.

bside123 · « **Reply #13 on:** 19 Jul 2010, 05:59 pm »

The first thing I do is turn down the volume. After taking a deep breath, I proceed. This could mean anything from powering down the entire system to cleaning a dust bunny off of the needle. Eventually, I do whatever it takes to figure out what's needed in the system. Guess my answer is... all of the above.

macrojack · « **Reply #14 on:** 19 Jul 2010, 06:08 pm »

Never happens. System always sounds right. Life is beautiful when you don't obsess.

JimJ · « **Reply #15 on:** 19 Jul 2010, 09:38 pm »

So where are the Giada pictures?

mjosef · « **Reply #16 on:** 21 Jul 2010, 06:17 am »

Submit myself for psychological reconditioning...

satfrat · « **Reply #17 on:** 21 Jul 2010, 06:49 am »

Bend over, stick your head between your legs and kiss your ass goodbye.

Cheers,
Robin

pumpkinman · « **Reply #18 on:** 21 Jul 2010, 11:31 am »

I always find a good cry helps or call someone who has a clue..........Bill

jtwrace · « **Reply #19 on:** 21 Jul 2010, 11:52 am »

Quote from: JimJ on 19 Jul 2010, 09:38 pm

So where are the Giada pictures?

Poll

When you are listening to your system and it doesn't sound just right, what do you do?

What do you do when you system isn't working like you think it should?