PS Audio Discussion Forum

1) What is the 1.3k Ohm resistor doing on the AC->Transformer barrier strip? (one end is attached to the hot line, other goes nowhere, and is attached to a blank position on the barrier)see pic.

http://yfrog.com/e9psaudio200cj

If it’s useless I’m going to pull it since it’s only in my way for resoldering. (transformer out for service.)

2) Can the big magnicraft power relay be swapped out for a solid state power relay? If so, suggestion/model?

I mention this since I read where someone (diyaudio) experiencing mechanical noise, swapped it out for a teledyne (I believe) and it worked brilliantly.

3) Although the amplifier appears to operate just fine, I discovered that there is a “hot spot” on the underside of one of the boards. One of the traces has worked its way OUT of the board a little (erosion), although still attached at it’s solder joint. The question is, who would work on this? PS Audio or maybe I should email Cullen?

Personally I don’t feel confident in working with the board myself, but have had good feedback at diyaudio that suggests this is repairable/patchable

Thank You

The big resistor was supposed to be for the relay operation if I remember correctly but it’s been a while.

You certainly can replace the big relay with a solid state one but you’d have to know what you’re doing.  I would recommend Cullen for this.

Thanks,
My initial thought was that the unused position on the barrier strip, along with that resistor, was maybe for 240v option?

Maybe the resistor was for the relay (or option). For all I know the amp could have been worked on before, considering the age and all.

However, there is no sign that anything has been solder’d to that unused end. A single lead of a resistor stuck into the ac line wouldn’t do anything unless the other end was grounded to something. True?

After I re-install the transformer, I’ll contact Cullen as suggested. I’m mostly concerned about the damage on the board at this point, since I believe that the boards are no longer available. -!

Well, you might be right.  It’s been over 20 years….certainly if the resistor is unterminated at one end it won’t be doing anything.

There are no new boards available for it, no.

Thanks Paul,
  I decided to get this serviced semi-locally. I’m going this option mainly due to costs in shipping such a beast. These folks seem to be the best “Hi-End” repair shop around my area (word-of-mouth). God knows they’ve been around long enough (‘65).

Keepin’ fingers crossed…

Peace-