Loud static @ volume knob (turned down)

Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by BigAlsBro, Jul 31, 2014.

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  1. BigAlsBro

    BigAlsBro Active Member Thread Starter

    ...Seems to "build up" then release through left channel when turning up from zero. A nearly 20 year old H/K receiver...just noticed the noise without even touching the remote or knob for the first time.

    Input appreciated.
     
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2014
  2. F1nut

    F1nut Forum Resident

    Location:
    The Mars Hotel
    Dirty volume pot would be the first thing to look at.
     
    Static Discharge and RonW like this.
  3. RonW

    RonW Forum Resident

    Location:
    New York
    Sounds very likely to be the problem.
     
  4. The FRiNgE

    The FRiNgE Forum Resident

    There may be a bad cap in the control amp. It is uncommon to have static when the volume pot is all the way to zero, and occur without touching it. (although it is possible the pot is losing internal connection to the wiper .. a bad pot or corrosion)

    Practical tips: First, clean the volume pot with electronics cleaner, no other cleaner should be used. Go easy with the electronics cleaner, just a small squirt, do not douse the pot. The common mistake even among techs is to spray the hell out of it. This is bad, since the shaft lube, and/or any viscous damping material on the trace will be entirely washed away, both shortening the life of he pot, and losing the viscous feel as he knob is turned. Electronics cleaner with lube added is ok ONLY if the pot feels too free, and suspect the original lube has been washed away. But always use straight electronics cleaner first... nothing added! It is the best method for cleaning and preserving the life of the pot.

    If electronics cleaner does not cure it, then try deoxit. This is nasty stuff that shortens the life of any pot or switch so it is to be AVOIDED except in extreme cases the pot does not respond to electronics cleaner. I would never buy a refub unit that has been cleaned with deoxit..... the worst stuff that ever hit the market.

    If he static persists, then you have static discharge from a bad cap or transistor in the control amp section, or possibly the first pre-amp stage.
     
  5. BigAlsBro

    BigAlsBro Active Member Thread Starter

    Thanks...I had planned on a thorough cleaning, but wanted idea's like this if the cleaning didnt clear it up.
    Does a motorized control make any difference in type of cleaner ?
     
  6. The FRiNgE

    The FRiNgE Forum Resident

    No difference. Just adding to my comments above, if the cleaning does not work, then you may have a bad pot, or a bad cap or transistor.

    Always be sure to unplug the device before opening it up. And just to mention... Tube amps should never opened up by an inexperienced person. They can kill you even when unplugged.
     
    Last edited: Aug 1, 2014
  7. ggergm

    ggergm another spring another baseball season

    Location:
    Minnesota
    Definitely the first and cheapest step is to clean the pot. Look for little holes in its case and spray the contact cleaner in there (you'll almost certainly get the spray all over everything but don't worry), Turn the control up and down rapidly after that to clean it. Often cleaning the pot will solve the problem only for a few days or weeks and then the static will come back. At that point you'll have to have someone replace the volume control.

    This is a very common problem with 20 year old stereo pieces. The volume control is oxidized. In other words, it's rusty. You want to try and clean away the rust. If you can't, the control needs to be replaced.

    Rust never sleeps.
     
    The FRiNgE likes this.
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