[Fauldzy]

Hello all

Basically I own a Musical Fidelity A3.5 integrated amp and have had on going issues since day one.

First problem I noticed was that there was a stereo imbalance at low volume. Still being within warranty the amp was immediately returned. However on receipt of the amp a cover note was supplied by a 'MF tech' saying "NO FAULT FOUND" BAH!

So on that basis I decided that there was nothing more I could do. Looking back I wish I had queried this test result & appealed for a re-test as more problems have developed during the 2 years I have owned the amp.

After the first year; on occasion using the remote to adjust the volume has very temperamental results. The increments at which the knob will turn varies. Sometimes you can briefly tap the remote button and the knob just keeps on turning! Sometimes the volume will want to either max out or min out requiring rapid physical intervention!!! This is very bad!

Second year sees the introduction of the famous 'crackle' when making manual adjustments to the volume knob. This leads me to think the pot requires cleaning. I tried the trick of turning the amp off and turning the knob max to min for ten minutes. This method is successful for a short while (a day) then it comes back. A step further and I used electrical cleaner on the pot this was successful for a couple of weeks! Alas it has now returned!


So I pose to you the reader:

• Should MF have repaired my amp in the first instance?
  
• Why would the crackle go then come back again?
  
• What actually causes this crackle?
  
• Does the crackle produced (which is sometimes quite loud) have the potential to damage my speakers???
  
• Roughly how much would a Musical Fidelity amp repair cost (inc parts and labour) for a motorised volume pot replacement?

Thank-you all so much in advance.
Chris.

[rwtomkins]

I would have thought that if MF cared anything about their reputation they would offer to fix this amp either free or at a deep discount. If not, and if it really is only two years old, you could check out whether you would have rights under UK consumer law regardless of any warranty, eg under the Sale of Goods Act.