Conference tekvax::audio

I'm looking to get my a/d/s PQ8 amplifier repaired. It only comes on about 1% of
the time now. When it's on, it works fine...until it cust out again. I don't
think the problem is in the connections or in the Alpine head unit, although
neither can be totally ruled out. I really believe that it's a problem in the
amp and that it can probably be repaired fairly easily by someone who does that
sort of thing.

I've gone into Tweeter and Cookin' and the standard deal seems to be that you
bring it in, they charge you a $25 bench fee and call you if the repair will
cost more the $100 (or whatever limit you set). The $25 goes toward the repair,
but you don't get it back, even if they don't fix it.

That all seems pretty fair and I'm inclined to go for it. The problem is that
they "send it out" and expect about a 3 week turnaround time.

I was wondering if there is place that I could go to cut out the middlemen.
I live and work in Nashua, NH.

Any help appreciated.

-Jeff

    
    	Once upon a time....  there was a place on Amherst St, that seemed
    to be good.  They ordered VCR belts and parts for me.  I haven't been
    there in a llloooonnnggggg time, so please correct me if I'm wrong.
    
    	Where Cookin' (?) is/was, the small street that goes in from
    Amherst, across from Cookin' (Tweeter?) is a LARGE building that has
    /had Gold's gym in it.  On the side that faces Cookin is a place called
    New Hampshire something or other electronics repair?????  See if they
    are still there.  If so, that means something, 'cuz it's been at least
    5 years for me, and if someone lasts that long, usually they're pretty
    good.  (all caveats apply).......
    
    	If I'm blowing smoke here, bad rep type of thing, please send me
    mail to correct me.  
    
    		good luck, glen(n)
    

    
    Sounds like a power supply problem. There are probably several 
    protective circuits built in, and probably a power on delay to 
    avoid a power-on hum. I'd suggest contacting the manufacturer
    and have them do the service. I believe ADS is in Massachusetts.
    I live in Colo, but I remember once, a long time ago, getting
    a replacement tweeter for a bi-amped speaker of theirs. I think
    they are in Woburn somewhere. 
    
    Pete

Re: .31  "N.H. mumble mumble Elec. Repair on Amherst Street."

Thanks, but I was not able to find anything like this in the phone book. I had
asked the guy at VCR Repair Etc. on Broad St about it a while ago and he said
they don't do car audio anymore.

Re: .32 "what about the manufacturer?"

Thanks to you too. I had not called a/d/s because I could not find their number
online and I kept forgetting to find the owner's manual. I finally looked it up
at http://www.switchboard.com/ using ADS (not a/d/s):

Ads Analog & Dgtl Systems Inc 1 Progress Way, Wilmington, MA 01887-4611
     Phone: (508)658-5100 Fax: (508)658-8498

I talked to a guy there and he said it was probably either the power supply or
the turn-on circuit. Of those, he suspected the latter (as do I). What they
suggest is that you send it to their service center in Tempe, AZ for repair. The
deal is that it costs $50 (flat fee), plus parts. The parts, he suggested would
not be that much ($4-$5 or so). I guess if it can't be repaired, you might not
have to pay for it (compare to Tweeter/Cookin'). He said to expect a week
turnaround and that they should be able to fix it without a problem.

Their service center is (told to me, but also found thru switchboard):

Orion Industries Inc 118 W Julie Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283-2868
     Phone: (602)730-8200 Fax: (602)831-8101 

I think this is what I will go with that, since they have all the parts, specs
and knowledge. It will cost me $50-some-odd and in theory, it will be good as
new. We shall see...

The amp really is nice... when it's working...

Thanks again.

-Jeff

    Thanks for doing all the work. I have a PQ10 that went 'funny' on me a
    while back but since I had a spare I was only thinking about having it
    fixed. $50 + parts is a good deal compared to what many 'service
    centers' charges.. I think I'll send in my PQ10 too...
    
    /Peter

Re: 34
> Thanks for doing all the work. I have a PQ10 that went 'funny' on me ...
> I think I'll send in my PQ10 too...

Great news! I'm glad it helped. I could not see buying a new amp, since the car
I have is getting up there in miles (180K+). I'll post a reply with my results.
I hope to mail mine in tomorrow.

PS:  When you send it in, include a letter describing the problem and of course,
your name, address and telephone numbers. I'm told that you can pay for the
repair with your MC/Visa card, but I would wait until the work's been done (or
they contact you) before giving out that info.

You could also call ADS or Orion, if you have further questions. The ADS people
were very helpful to me.

Good luck (to both of us).

-Jeff