[AcuraCL]

I have a M&K MX-200 subwoofer, nice, has performed well over the past 10+ years. The volume pot has always been a bit flaky on it. I sent the amp back to M&K before they went under, and they sent it back pretty much the same.


Just recently it stopped working altogther. The volume is completely erratic and does not respond to rotation of the pot.


What can a non-technical person like me do?


Is the pot something I might be able to replace?


Is this something a computer tech could fix? The only listing under stereo repair in my area is a snooty very high end shop which, I know, would want to charge a ridiculous sum even IF they would touch this unit.


Do you guys know of anything other than the volume pot that could be wrong with the unit?

 

[A9X-308]

Don't take it to a high end store, look for someone that does general electronic repairs or pro sound. For more likely to be reasonable cost.


It could be a simple DIY job if you can solder, but depending on how it's built, it might take hours to get the PCB out to be able to solder it. I have a DAC on my bench at the moment that's like this; a 2 min job is going to take 2 hours.

 

[PassingInterest]

You can try Caig DeOxit spray, to clean and lubricate the innerworkings of the potentiometer.


The pot may be sealed, or just too far gone, in which case this stuff won't help.

But, it is a cheap and easy thing to try.


Physically replacing the pot should be easy, but some soldering will be required.

 

[nuhdguy]

gonna have to determine the value of the pot too.

 

[PassingInterest]



Quote:
Originally Posted by nuhdguy /forum/post/18268440


gonna have to determine the value of the pot too.

That should be easy--you ohm across it.

If the wiper is not making good contact, that won't affect your measurement across the pot, just avoid any wiper measurements.

You may have to disconnect the pot before you ohm it.

Measuring it in-circuit might give you a false reading.

 

[AcuraCL]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.


Ima thinkin I'll let the repair shop have a go at it ...


PassingInterest, I think the spray is what they did when I returned it a few years ago. That pot has gone south now though. I think it may have been a weak batch the manufacturer used when they were built ... there was a lot of talk a few years ago about M&K and bad volume pots. Mine lasted longer than most.