Need a new amplifier...

[Shivers]

Hey guys, well sadly it seems my Rotel RA-01 died yesterday (cut out and there was a burning smell...), it's around 3 years old but I can't find my warranty for it...

So, that leaves me to buy a new amplifier, my current setup is in my signature, I just got a payrise yesterday so I'm happy to spend £300-£350 max (this is around $500 US although prices may be slightly higher or lower due to bargains and what not). What should I be looking for? Is a sub-out an option?

Thanks in advance guys...

 

[Shivers]

I have found a dealer online that is selling a Marantz PM7003 for only £365 (around $520 US), that's a good 10-15% cheaper than everywhere else I've seen it, it's above budget but only slightly, I'd be happy to stretch to that if it's worthwhile, oppinions?

 

[Adam]

...it's around 3 years old but I can't find my warranty for it...

How long is the warranty on that unit (Rotel's site says that it can vary from country to country)? If you registered the warranty online or sent in the warranty card, Rotel should have a record of it. You'll likely need the sales receipt to prove the date of purchase, though. Just a thought that you might be able to get it fixed under warranty.

 

[CraigV]

Did the amp receive a spike in the electricity? Did a speaker cable get shorted somehow? Did you open it up to check the fuses? (check on warranty before trying #3)

 

[Shivers]

How long is the warranty on that unit (Rotel's site says that it can vary from country to country)? If you registered the warranty online or sent in the warranty card, Rotel should have a record of it. You'll likely need the sales receipt to prove the date of purchase, though. Just a thought that you might be able to get it fixed under warranty.

The problem is when I bought it it was my first audio piece of equipement ever, so I didn't realise I had to send away anything for the warranty to be valid, thus I maybe have the receipt of purchase somewhere (as I always try and keep my receipts), but I don't have a warranty sent off anywhere, I'm guessing just having the receipt alone won't be good enough?

Did the amp receive a spike in the electricity? Did a speaker cable get shorted somehow? Did you open it up to check the fuses? (check on warranty before trying #3)

I have no idea how it happened, I run all my stuff through surge protectors (although not very powerful ones, only around 700 joules protection, but they've only been installed a month or so), is there any way to check for a speaker cable being shorted? I haven't opened it up as yet either...

My search for a new amp is still valid (as I was searching for an upgrade to the Rotel before it went funny eitherway), so any help on that is appreciated too...

 

[CraigV]

I have no idea how it happened, I run all my stuff through surge protectors (although not very powerful ones, only around 700 joules protection, but they've only been installed a month or so), is there any way to check for a speaker cable being shorted? I haven't opened it up as yet either...

My search for a new amp is still valid (as I was searching for an upgrade to the Rotel before it went funny eitherway), so any help on that is appreciated too...

Well, Rotel certainly makes quality equipment, is there a reason you’re thinking of switching?
As for the speaker cable being shorted, that can be done by visual inspection. Check at the connection points on the amp & speakers to see if the + & - wires are touching. In a severe case, the may be some scorching nearby. You would be wise to check out the speakers on another amp/receiver to make sure they didn’t get damaged in the incident.

As for a new amp, I’m a big proponent for used gear. My pre/pro, amp & even inter-connect cables were all bought second hand, and all sound great. Craiglist & Ebay are good places to check out. As for brands, B&K, Bryston, Arcam, Anthem , Parasound (as well as others) all make good quality items, and solid state equipment generally (despite your situation) lasts a long time.

Good luck

 

[Shivers]

Well, Rotel certainly makes quality equipment, is there a reason you’re thinking of switching?
As for the speaker cable being shorted, that can be done by visual inspection. Check at the connection points on the amp & speakers to see if the + & - wires are touching. In a severe case, the may be some scorching nearby. You would be wise to check out the speakers on another amp/receiver to make sure they didn’t get damaged in the incident.

As for a new amp, I’m a big proponent for used gear. My pre/pro, amp & even inter-connect cables were all bought second hand, and all sound great. Craiglist & Ebay are good places to check out. As for brands, B&K, Bryston, Arcam, Anthem , Parasound (as well as others) all make good quality items, and solid state equipment generally (despite your situation) lasts a long time.

Good luck

The reasons for switching is that I'm trying to upgrade the oldest parts of my equipment, also that I'm trying to make my older sister a nice little amp/CD player/speaker combo from whatever I upgrade, and the fact that I have a little bit of an upgrade bug too

I just checked the speaker inputs on the speakers and amplifier and they look fine. I did notice there seems to have been a lot of fluff accumulated inside the actual amplifier, but I have no idea how I'd get it out as they ventilation slots on the top side of the unit are very thin. I made an error in my original post, the amp isn't 3 years old, it's nearer 5 (not that I'm saying that means it's fine for it to have problems!), I can't find a receipt or warranty for the unit (I have learned my lesson), so I guess now my only options are trying to open it up and see what went toasty, I've never done this thing before though, is it relatively simple and safe?

As for new amplifier's, the ones I'm currently looking at are as follow:

-Marantz PM6002 (£215/$308 US)
-Rotel RA-04 (£244/$350 US)
-Cambridge Audio Azur 540A V2 (£280/$400 US)
-Cambridge Audio Azur 640A V2 (£330/$472 US)
-Marantz PM7003 (£365/$522 US)

Thanks for your input.

 

[CraigV]

By “fluff” I’m guessing you mean dust? Some surgery might be in line. If you’re sure you don’t have the warranty info, go ahead & take off the case. Get a large can of compressed air, and a vacuum hose. Make sure not to invert or shake the can - the propellant can come out & do more harm than good. Turn on the vac, and hold the hose near where you’re going to spray the air. Don’t let the anything come in direct contact with any of the internal components.
Blow off the dust while the vac removes it. Then check the circuit boards for any scorching. Also check all the fuses. If one is blown, replace it with one of the same value & hope for the best.

 

[Shivers]

Yeah like little balls of fluff/dust, I just finished giving it a quick going over with some compressed air and I couldn't see any scorching anywhere, I checked the 4 valves that I managed to locate and there didn't seem to be anything wrong with them (at least not to my novice eye). Maybe I'll give Richer Sounds a call and see what they would quote on a for an inspection, not sure if that would be worthwhile money wise though or if I'd just be best trying to sell it for very cheap.