I have a audio receiver it's a Technics receiver.I bought this about 3 years ago and when I got it home the fan unit on the back was not working causing the unit to get very hot.Also one of the ports on the back for a speaker input does not work.Radioshack would not take it back the same day and I was stuck with it.The fan unit is supposed to start up when on keeping the unit cool.The only time the unit comes on and sometimes it won't is when the volum is cranked to maximum I tried with nothin hooked to it and it started up.I tried replacing the fan unit and still it just didn't want to work.I was wondering If anyone knows how to fix or what is wrong with my receiver I can't let it go much longer Im afraid it is going to just short out or damage other audio equipment hooked to it. My email is jroberts123@cogeco.ca if anyone can help feel free to email me help would be very much appreciated.thanks

Justin, May 2005

Correction..."tweeter can go open circuit"

Cobweb, May 2005

"tweeter can go circuit"

Cobweb, May 2005

If your amplifier is overheating it's likely the loudspeakers are at fault. Measure the resistance of the loudspeakers, they are likely rated 8 ohm, it will be indicated on the speaker label. There will be 2 or 3 drive units, often the tweeter can go short circuit causing excessive load.

Simple check for faulty tweeter without opening cabinet,..just cup your hand over the tweeter cone, you should hear a change in the high frequency response. If not its faulty.

Most Technics amps i've come across only operate the fan at medium/high volume levels (about 1/3 volume & above). At low output it's normal for it not to run. If replacing the fan, you should only use the original Technics part.

However, running the amp without a load, ie. no speakers connected can damage the amplifier as there is nothing to dissipate the power, which instead turns into heat.

Make sure you have minimum 3" of clear ventilation above and around the amplifier.

Cobweb, May 2005