HK6250 may need replacing...

[Eric R]

Hi, I have a harman/kardon HK6250 integrated amp that is about 12
years old. The signal to the left speaker suddenly has a lot of
static/white noise coming out of it. It's not the speaker because the
same happens when I plug in the head phones.

I have two questions:
1) Is there any point in trying to get this repaired and if so, how
should I go about it?
2) If I replace the amp what makes and models should I be looking at
if a decrease in sound quality is unacceptable, and what kind of price
would I have to consider?

I live in Vancouver, BC.

thanks a lot
Eric

[[email protected]]

Eric R wrote:
> Hi, I have a harman/kardon HK6250 integrated amp that is about 12
> years old. The signal to the left speaker suddenly has a lot of
> static/white noise coming out of it. It's not the speaker because the
> same happens when I plug in the head phones.
>
> I have two questions:
> 1) Is there any point in trying to get this repaired and if so, how
> should I go about it?

I'd take it to a repair shop, get an estimate, then decide.

It's also possible that you've got something really simple, like dirty
controls (like a dirty switch or volume control) or some other dirty
contacts. You can fix this with aerosol tuner cleaner. Or maybe your
inputs on the back of the receiver are dirty. Try searching the web for
advice.

I'm also crossposting this response to:

rec.audio.tech

That's a good place to look for repair advice.

> 2) If I replace the amp what makes and models should I be looking at
> if a decrease in sound quality is unacceptable, and what kind of price
> would I have to consider?

These days, you probably want to look at a receiver. They're so popular
that the prices are low, yet they have many features, such as Dolby
surround sound, video switching, remote control, etc.

You don't have to use all those features. You can use a Dolby receiver
in stereo mode.

I'm not up to date on current models, so I can't make any specific
recommendations. Suggest you look at local retailers and get some ideas
from that.

I think you'll find that except for high-end brands, integrated amps
are pretty rare.

Another idea: If you can't fix your HK cheaply, but really love that
model, try checking eBay every week or so until the same or a similar
model appears. Then buy that. You could keep your old HK for spare
parts.

> I live in Vancouver, BC.

Been there once, but never looked at audio gear. I'm assuming that
you've got audio dealers there.

> thanks a lot
> Eric

[Daniel al-Autistiqui]

On 8 Dec 2006 09:43:45 -0800, wrote:

>I think you'll find that except for high-end brands, integrated amps
>are pretty rare.

Why did you say "rare"?

daniel mcgrath
--
Daniel Gerard McGrath, a/k/a "Govende":
for e-mail replace "invalid" with "com"

Developmentally disabled;
has Autism (Pervasive Developmental Disorder),
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder,
& periodic bouts of depression.
[This signature is under construction.]

[[email protected]]

Daniel al-Autistiqui wrote:
> On 8 Dec 2006 09:43:45 -0800, wrote:
>
> >I think you'll find that except for high-end brands, integrated amps
> >are pretty rare.
>
> Why did you say "rare"?

They're uncommon. See:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rare

Not sure why you crossposted to alt.usage.english, but I guess I'll
crosspost my response there.

> daniel mcgrath
> --
> Daniel Gerard McGrath, a/k/a "Govende":
> for e-mail replace "invalid" with "com"
>
> Developmentally disabled;
> has Autism (Pervasive Developmental Disorder),
> Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder,
> & periodic bouts of depression.
> [This signature is under construction.]

[[email protected]]

wrote:
> Daniel al-Autistiqui wrote:
> > On 8 Dec 2006 09:43:45 -0800, wrote:
> >
> > >I think you'll find that except for high-end brands, integrated amps
> > >are pretty rare.
> >
> > Why did you say "rare"?
>
> They're uncommon. See:
>
> http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rare
>
> Not sure why you crossposted to alt.usage.english, but I guess I'll
> crosspost my response there.

One result of Daniel's autism is that he can get obsessed with the word
"rare" and its various meanings. He crossposted to a.u.e. because he
often posts (t)here and a lot of us cyber-know him.

--
Jerry Friedman