dspatterson
pfm Member
Hi, after reading the Avi power amp post, and just receiving my own power amp today from a forum member, I thought it might be usefull to pull together tips and ideas that just may save someone stress now or in the future.
Firstly we all have different levels of knowledge and expertise of electrical equipment.
I can only comment from a position of, non technically trained ( prob with all due respect guys, a fair proportion of us)
More knowledgeable folk please feel free to add any usefull tips.
First thing I do is look at the the condition of the container it travelled in. If there is any obvious damage intrusions openings photograph there and then before opening. Use a time dated photo.
Once component is out of box again 360 degree check, in natural light, it's amazing what shows up under different lighting.
(a purple anodised fascia on a Naim amp looked great in artificial light)
Obviously looking for physical damage.
If you do not feel confidant opening or removing casework due to invalidating guarantee or causing damage I would rotate device in all planes, this can usually show up loose screws or swarf within case. ( again I've had both). Seek advise if required.
One thing I always do, especially living up here in Scotland is allow the new device to come to room temp.
The amp I received today measured minus 2degs on my ir thermometer. I may be being ott here but I just don't want to power rush my stuff at that temp.
Also cold items attact condensation when brought into warm moist environment.
Like many we dry allot of towels clothes on radiators at this time of year and that can put a hell of allot of moisture into your home.
So I let the device time to come to room temp. A challenge when we are all keen to hear our next best thing.
I am not technically trained and would not know what to look for on a meter on the outputs, but I do power up the item with nothing connected and allow it to operate for a short time, again I've had smoke after about a minute once, causing mad rush to the on off (at the wall socket)
Once I'm happy i will power down, connect up and switch on, but I'm still really cautious when connecting speakers.
Firstly we all have different levels of knowledge and expertise of electrical equipment.
I can only comment from a position of, non technically trained ( prob with all due respect guys, a fair proportion of us)
More knowledgeable folk please feel free to add any usefull tips.
First thing I do is look at the the condition of the container it travelled in. If there is any obvious damage intrusions openings photograph there and then before opening. Use a time dated photo.
Once component is out of box again 360 degree check, in natural light, it's amazing what shows up under different lighting.
(a purple anodised fascia on a Naim amp looked great in artificial light)
Obviously looking for physical damage.
If you do not feel confidant opening or removing casework due to invalidating guarantee or causing damage I would rotate device in all planes, this can usually show up loose screws or swarf within case. ( again I've had both). Seek advise if required.
One thing I always do, especially living up here in Scotland is allow the new device to come to room temp.
The amp I received today measured minus 2degs on my ir thermometer. I may be being ott here but I just don't want to power rush my stuff at that temp.
Also cold items attact condensation when brought into warm moist environment.
Like many we dry allot of towels clothes on radiators at this time of year and that can put a hell of allot of moisture into your home.
So I let the device time to come to room temp. A challenge when we are all keen to hear our next best thing.
I am not technically trained and would not know what to look for on a meter on the outputs, but I do power up the item with nothing connected and allow it to operate for a short time, again I've had smoke after about a minute once, causing mad rush to the on off (at the wall socket)
Once I'm happy i will power down, connect up and switch on, but I'm still really cautious when connecting speakers.