All,

I have a Hitachi HMA-8500 MKII power amp. It is in need of service. The
relay that suspends power going to the speakers when it first powers on
is stuck on ON.

My question is at this point in time is this power amp worth fixing. It
was about $600 new but how does it compare to a unit built in 2006. I
don't want to put $200 into fixinf an amp that is not worth the $200.

Mike

"Mike" said:

All,

I have a Hitachi HMA-8500 MKII power amp. It is in need of service. The
relay that suspends power going to the speakers when it first powers on
is stuck on ON.

My question is at this point in time is this power amp worth fixing. It
was about $600 new but how does it compare to a unit built in 2006. I
don't want to put $200 into fixinf an amp that is not worth the $200.


Hard to tell, actually.
The relay can be stuck, in which case it must be replaced, but also
the driver circuit for said relay can be defective.
Usually, when a tech has an amp on the bench, he will check for other
possible problems as well.
He might find that some electrolytics should be replaced, or that the
PCB needs resoldering and things like that.

The total cost may then well be around $100...150.

Bring it to a good audio service tech and ask for a price quotation
after examination.

--

- Never argue with idiots, they drag you down their level and beat you with experience. -