PV5 low volume

The PV-1 to now...
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Beeg
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PV5 low volume

Post by Beeg »

I have a PV5 that I haven’t touched in about 5 years. It had been working great for years without a problem. I stopped using it because my M 50 amp went on the fritz once again. That issue I addressed in the general thread.
I thought to use the PV5 with my NAD C370, an integrated ss amp with a main in capability for and external pre amp, which I recently re acquired from my son. I had given it to him some years ago. Prior to this I had used the PV 5 to drive the NAD
When I now hooked the pre amp to the NAD, however, only the faintest sound came through the speakers. I tried allsorts of out in reconfigurations and evenswapping out the tubes, but nothing changed.
I don’t really want to send the preamp to CJ due to the bother of packing, shipping charges and likely expense. I haven’t had luck finding a willing service person locally, so I may be-stuck. In the meantime, any opinions are welcome. Thanks
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roberto
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Re: PV5 low volume

Post by roberto »

Hola,
If both channels are low, I am thinking that you have a power supply failure. The PV-5 is a great preamp. Do you have electronic skills? If you do, then measure the AC voltages of the transformer. I am guessing a problem with an open wound of the transformer. I had previously that problem with the PV-5 model.
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Beeg
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Re: PV5 low volume

Post by Beeg »

Thank you. I don’t have any electronics hands on skill. I am going to give CJ a call and see about sending it in. Any idea what a repair to the power supply might run?
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AnotherJohnson
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Re: PV5 low volume

Post by AnotherJohnson »

Beeg wrote: Mon Jun 10, 2024 11:46 am Thank you. I don’t have any electronics hands on skill. I am going to give CJ a call and see about sending it in. Any idea what a repair to the power supply might run?
https://conradjohnson.com/conrad-johnson-policies/

The link gives rates. There’s a minimum bench charge, a shop miscellaneous materials charge, and new packaging to assure the insurance is valid on the return trip.

A big factor will be “what else does it need?” If it’s never been recapped, it’s due. I think you’ll be lucky if you get it done for less than $600 with shipping, and it could run higher. The only way to find out is to begin the process.
It’s just stuff. I like mine. I hope you like yours. I probably like yours too.
Beeg
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Re: PV5 low volume

Post by Beeg »

Woof! Thank you for this sobering help. As my wife and son had teased….”why do you think solid state became popular?”
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AnotherJohnson
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Re: PV5 low volume

Post by AnotherJohnson »

Beeg wrote: Mon Jun 10, 2024 12:19 pm Woof! Thank you for this sobering help. As my wife and son had teased….”why do you think solid state became popular?”
They probably don’t realize that CJ started after the tube era was over. Tube audio is not about old vs new technology. It is about better sound compared to early era solid state. CJ was able to begin and thrive because the performance of their early pieces was more pleasing … Audio Research was also resurrecting tubes. Solid state in the 70s did not sound right.

Today many people prefer tubes. I am not one of them. Some even prefer 35 year old CJ to current CJ. I am not one of them either.
It’s just stuff. I like mine. I hope you like yours. I probably like yours too.
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