Technics receiver overload

[lbgrrl]

So when I hooked up my Dual turntable, something caused my Technics SA EX140 receiver to go into overload mode. It plays for about 30 seconds then shuts off. This happens in other modes, not just phono (ie plugging my iPod in, playing a CD, etc). I thought maybe it was a grounding issue, so I removed the phono ground wire, and it was okay for a while. Now it is doing it again. Any ideas? The manual says the overload message is generated when there is a problem with the speakers (like a short), but they appear to be working okay. I was thinking of getting new speaker wires and redoing them but really, not sure that will do anything.

Any ideas? This never happened until I hooked up the turntable--but now it is happening when I am not even using the turntable, so maybe it has nothing to do with it.

[rhomanski]

From what I read online just now, the unit is prone to run hot. That causes the solder connections to crystallize over time and become brittle. When you connected the phono it may have twisted a circuit board and caused the solder to break. It simply needs to be melted again and allowed to reflow at the connection. Either do it yourself or take it to someone. Explain it to them and have them examine the connections under a magnifying glass. On an older unit, it's common practice on any joint that looks dodgey. Technics and Yamaha's are notorious for that.

Regards,

Ron.

[lbgrrl]

So I pulled out all the speaker wiring and put it all back, this time using Speaker B. Seems to have solved the issue. They were also out of phase. Yikes! Thankfully it doesnt need serviced at this time, or at least the Speaker B connection doesn't! Thanks for your suggestions though

[rhomanski]

For something like that only time will tell. If it's the solder it will come back. I have an amp on it's side right now all hooked up. I'm watching it as I use it. It has a nasty pop at times. Although it hasn't done it for a few uses. I keep trying different things to fix it. Maybe I have now. Time will tell. Hope yours is fixed.

Regards,

Ron.

[josephazannieri]

Yo lbgrrl:

If your receiver runs hot, make sure that it is surrounded by a lot of space. It should not be packed into a shelf with a bunch of other stuff packed in around it, Some guys use a small fan to blow air on receiver. There are some small, quiet AC fans that are used to blow a little air into equipment.

Also check the specs on your unit to be sure that the output transistors are not biased wrong. The componenets may have drifted over the years, and output transistors may be drawing too much current. Unit should not get so hot you can't touch it. If your circuit boards are getting so hot that solder is melting, the unit should be checked, because it shouldn't run that hot. Even tubes don't cook enough to melt solder unless something is really wrong.

And good luck from that warm, but still cool, old guy,

Joe Z.

[lbgrrl]

It does get really warm but not so hot I cant touch it. It's funny, I was actually thinking of going back to a more vintage receiver (I still miss the Kenwood KR6160 that this one replaced, and I soooooo regret selling that a decade ago). Thinking of a Marantz possibly--if this dies, it will make the decision for me It is in a shelf, one with a door, so I will keep the door open see if I cant fix a fan in there.

@Joseph--I grew up in Cleveland. Check out my last post in the music section on what is currently playing, I am sure it will be familiar to you