Problem with Altec Lansing Select 641 400 system

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro,rec.audio.misc (More info?)

About two years ago I bought the above described system and now only the
bass speaker and two satellites work - one front and one back. I tried
different cables but it
didn't help.

I contacted the manufacturer for help and parts and had the following
comment:

"Unfortunately we do not have any parts for the 641 and the replacement
system for this model is the MX5021."

Do the idiots expect me to buy the replacement?

I guess I could take the rear panel off the bass speaker, where the
connections are made, and look for loose connections?

Any other suggestions for trouble shooting?

TIA

rf

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro,rec.audio.misc (More info?)

Thank you Scott for your knowledgeable reply.

"Scott Dorsey" <kludge@panix.com> wrote in message
news9riir$mre$1@panix2.panix.com...
> RedFox <RedFox@NoDen.con> wrote:
> >About two years ago I bought the above described system and now only the
> >bass speaker and two satellites work - one front and one back. I tried
> >different cables but it
> >didn't help.
> >
> >I contacted the manufacturer for help and parts and had the following
> >comment:
> >
> >"Unfortunately we do not have any parts for the 641 and the replacement
> >system for this model is the MX5021."
> >
> >Do the idiots expect me to buy the replacement?
>
> Yes, this is cheap consumer gear. It's supposed to last about two years,
> so you got about the expected lifetime from it.

This sure is a surprise to me. What similar speaker systems are expected to
have a
lifetime of about 10 years or thereabouts?

> >I guess I could take the rear panel off the bass speaker, where the
> >connections are made, and look for loose connections?
>
> You could, but more likely something has gone wrong with the amplifier
> module. Get out the scope, see if you have signal at the driver... then
> work your way back one stage at a time until you find where it's gone
> wrong. Could well be a bad cable or connector, but you need to measure
> signal level at each point and see.

Unfortunately I don't have a scope. I do have a multimeter. I'll take the
back off the
woofer and look for any signs of loose cables or burnouts.

> >Any other suggestions for trouble shooting?
>
> The problem is that it will cost less to replace it than to get a tech
> for a couple hours to fix it. That's the way disposable gear is.

This is amazing. The woofer, that contains the circuitry, is very heavy. I
would guess
about 20 lbs. Is that just concrete ballast? ;-) The four small speakers
appear to work ok.

Is there any such thing as a standard circuit board for speaker systems?

TIA

RF

> --scott
>
> --
> "C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

C'est vrai? :-)

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro,rec.audio.misc (More info?)

Thank you Scott :-)

When a little time drops by, I'll do as you suggest.

It's great to have a genius around who is happy to offer so much help :-)

Many thanks again.

RF

"Scott Dorsey" <kludge@panix.com> wrote in message
newsa0p4a$1ht$1@panix2.panix.com...
> RedFox <RedFox@NoDen.con> wrote:
> Kludge writes:
> >>
> >> Yes, this is cheap consumer gear. It's supposed to last about two
years,
> >> so you got about the expected lifetime from it.
> >
> >This sure is a surprise to me. What similar speaker systems are expected
to
> >have a
> >lifetime of about 10 years or thereabouts?
>
> For the most part you probably want to go with seperates if you're looking
> for something that sounds good and is solid.
>
> If you want something solid with an integrated amplifier, you're going to
> have to pay for it. The NHT M-00 is maybe a good starter unit, or
something
> like the Tannoy powered Reveal speakers. You will pay money, however.
>
> The problem is that quality electronics have now become a very small
> niche market and most folks are happy buying junk that falls apart.
> This just drives up the price of the good gear since the economies of
> scale are no longer there.
>
> >> You could, but more likely something has gone wrong with the amplifier
> >> module. Get out the scope, see if you have signal at the driver...
then
> >> work your way back one stage at a time until you find where it's gone
> >> wrong. Could well be a bad cable or connector, but you need to measure
> >> signal level at each point and see.
> >
> >Unfortunately I don't have a scope. I do have a multimeter. I'll take the
> >back off the
> >woofer and look for any signs of loose cables or burnouts.
>
> How about a signal tracer? A signal tracer won't cost much and will
> probably be the most convenient tool. Worst case you can take a pair
> of dollar-store headphones, attach an alligator clip to the ground and
> a test probe to the center pin. Tie the clip to the chassis ground
> and now you can go poking around with the probe listening for signal.
>
> Don't do this on hot chassis gear, but on the multimedia speakers you
> are probably fine.
>
> >> >Any other suggestions for trouble shooting?
> >>
> >> The problem is that it will cost less to replace it than to get a tech
> >> for a couple hours to fix it. That's the way disposable gear is.
> >
> >This is amazing. The woofer, that contains the circuitry, is very heavy.
I
> >would guess
> >about 20 lbs. Is that just concrete ballast? ;-) The four small speakers
> >appear to work ok.
>
> Open it up and see.
>
> >Is there any such thing as a standard circuit board for speaker systems?
>
> No, although with the standardization of Chinese stuff, we may soon be
> getting there. Note that the manufacturer will probably laugh at you
> if you try and get a service manual or schematic for this sort of gear
> today.
> --scott
>
> --
> "C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."