Thanks all. I tried with the tuner and it is the same problem - audio only coming from one side. So it looks like the amp is bust. It's a shame and I don't know how it happened as it's about 20 years old.
Nothing lasts for ever. 20 years for electronics is quite a long run, but not exceptional.
They seem to have a good reputation. This AM/FM receiver appeared in 1992, so the design is now about 24 years old. It is probably fixable. The service manual is available on Hi-Fi engine. So as long as a no longer available IC is not the problem a tech could fix it. The biggest problem is that a lot of modern gear is either not serviceable or not worth fixing due to the expense of fixing the unit. Also unlike your unit service manuals are often not available even to techs. So this has driven most independent repair shops out of business.
If you can find a tech, and really are attached to the unit, then it might be worth it to you to have it repaired.
This is the unit we are talking about, correct?
The unit is a 55 watt per channel, and will drive loads as low as 2 ohm. So it is more robust than most modern consumer grade units.
I guess the question you have to ask yourself, is whether you want a music only system or a system that can play music alone or be able to produce audio integrated with a TV picture.
I never thought I would come to this, but after over 60 years in audio, I have come to the view that it best for systems to be AV and not pure audio only. All of my systems can now also produce a picture, and that makes it more universal. I have to say that even for concerts and especially for opera, if I picture is available, I think it really enhances the experience.
It is total nonsense that and AV system has to have inferior audio to an audio only system.
