Spoonfed Posted June 12, 2008 Posted June 12, 2008 The amp on my old faithful HSU VTF-2 (mk1) has died. After some correspondence with the manufacture (good fast response might I add), their suggestion/recommendation to replace a CAP with another 'spec' has not rectified the issue. (Amp has power and lights up but no audio). I figured their suggestion was based on a common failure, so now I assume it is something else. Options I see, get the amp fixed somewhere (who knows what that would cost), Replace the amp with something like http://www.oaudio.com/300W_SUBAMP.html which is way more than the standard 150w unit but would also need modification to the enclosure due to size (it is smaller so there would be a void). Is it even worth looking at fixing the amp? No doubt the failed component is cheap but I'm thinking labour might be greater than a new unit. Other options hang for a while for some $'s and build a Rythmik kit as i've seen suggested in other threads. The room is not overly big and the VTF-2 performed reasonably well, had no plans to replace it just yet.. In movies it did good, more punch in music wouldn't go astray tho. Rest of the system is HTPC fed XR45, Quad 12L's Quad Centre, wharfy rears.
betty boop Posted June 12, 2008 Posted June 12, 2008 hey spoonfed, long time no see great to see you around bugger about the sub. fitting a replacement amp probably the best option, unless you have someone willing to fix it for you as a favour on the cheap I imagine still worth salvaging the sub with a replacement amp at the most espcially if the sub has been something you've been happy with jaycar used to sell some affodable plate amps, otherwise I'm sure others might have other suggestions
Spoonfed Posted June 12, 2008 Author Posted June 12, 2008 hey! yeah has been a while, i still browse now and then, i guess other interests keeps one distracted. I'd like to upgrade but dude to funds going elsewhere not sure how long I can live without a Sub. I imediately thought Jaycar too, they use to have a range of them, now just a single unit, quite sizeable too. Hence why i listed that US option, actually cheaper delievered from the US than the Jaycar option (possibly better too, not that it probably matters much with a sub).
OzMillsy Posted June 12, 2008 Posted June 12, 2008 Any chance you can remove the amp, and send it to Hsu to be diagnosed/fixed? Are the shipping costs too prohibitive?
Spoonfed Posted June 12, 2008 Author Posted June 12, 2008 Yeah they suggested that, but obviously got cost of fixing it, shipping both ways, guessing $60 each way (wasn't cheap last time i send something OS).
OzMillsy Posted June 12, 2008 Posted June 12, 2008 Yeah they suggested that, but obviously got cost of fixing it, shipping both ways, guessing $60 each way (wasn't cheap last time i send something OS). Still maybe cheaper than trying to replace it, with something of equivalent capability. What you really need, is a generous local electronic wizard, willing to look at it for you - for next to nothing. Unfortunately I dont know anyone.
Spoonfed Posted August 1, 2008 Author Posted August 1, 2008 Thought I'd provide an update. Ended up purchasing a replacement from the states, worked out to around $220 AUD landed in less than a week (then Aus Post lost it for 4days ). http://www.oaudio.com/300W_SUBAMP.html Had to do a little modding to make it fit but definately better than the standard amp, run the VTF now with both ports open an has plenty of depth and more grunt and control. Driver hasn't seem to mind yet, first night was all night full volume party for maybe 6hrs+ run time, the perfect test. haha.
jklow888 Posted August 4, 2008 Posted August 4, 2008 (edited) Thought I'd provide an update. Ended up purchasing a replacement from the states, worked out to around $220 AUD landed in less than a week (then Aus Post lost it for 4days ).http://www.oaudio.com/300W_SUBAMP.html Had to do a little modding to make it fit but definately better than the standard amp, run the VTF now with both ports open an has plenty of depth and more grunt and control. Driver hasn't seem to mind yet, first night was all night full volume party for maybe 6hrs+ run time, the perfect test. haha. I'm surprise Dr. Hsu didn't send out a replacement with the correct voltage mod - don't the VTF2's (today) come with a voltage selector on the rear panel ? How much did you have to take off your cabinet to make it fit ? At least the replacement amp was multi-voltage - I still have to cut and join 2 diodes to convert my VTF3 Mk II from 115v to 230v but might need to consider a backup plan if things don't go to well when I cross that bridge. Edited August 4, 2008 by jklow888
Spoonfed Posted August 4, 2008 Author Posted August 4, 2008 I'm surprise Dr. Hsu didn't send out a replacement with the correct voltage mod - don't the VTF2's (today) come with a voltage selector on the rear panel ?How much did you have to take off your cabinet to make it fit ? At least the replacement amp was multi-voltage - I still have to cut and join 2 diodes to convert my VTF3 Mk II from 115v to 230v but might need to consider a backup plan if things don't go to well when I cross that bridge. Not to sure, they oftered to repair (I can only assume at a price, I doubt it was still warrented?) but figured freight there and back plus time, would have added up somewhat. Glad I didn't as this amp is certainly better at driving it. Fit was quite simple. I jigsawed away the old amps lilp lip left and right it slots straight in. As its not as tall I left some of the lip below the amp, routered some 18mm MDF to fit in the rest of the hole below the amp, painted and fitted together, looks neat and works well. The 180deg phase adjustment is also good while tuning
idjit dragon Posted August 7, 2008 Posted August 7, 2008 Not to sure, they oftered to repair (I can only assume at a price, I doubt it was still warrented?) but figured freight there and back plus time, would have added up somewhat.Glad I didn't as this amp is certainly better at driving it. Fit was quite simple. I jigsawed away the old amps lilp lip left and right it slots straight in. As its not as tall I left some of the lip below the amp, routered some 18mm MDF to fit in the rest of the hole below the amp, painted and fitted together, looks neat and works well. The 180deg phase adjustment is also good while tuning Just had my VTF-2 back from the repairer - so far so good, it's great to have the bass back, my fronts really couldn't deliver the required low end Cheers Martin
Recommended Posts