Cleaning inside Burson stepped attenuator

[MooneeBeach]

I recently bought a Burson HA-160d from someone on the forum.  However, it sounds terrible whenever I change the volume - it produces very loud clicks and pops when moving the dial.  I've worked out that I need to clean the attenuator, but cannot find out how to separate it from the front panel.  Any ideas?  Thanks

[ophool]

Maybe email Bursons and ask them about it, they may have some other suggestions.

[Nada]

Are you saying an SNA member sold you a Burson amp with this obvious fault undisclosed and not fixed?

 

If so it looks very wrong.

 

On ebay you might just groan and claim on PayPal  but in our community this is unacceptable to my mind.

 

I would return it at the sellers expense on principle.

 

Still want to fix it? Think twice. If its worse can you still return it?

 

To repair:

 

power off for 24 hours so caps discharge

work on an earthed bench with static protection

 

 

generically (I havent seen your model)

 

a.take the top off so you can get inside and rummage around

b. clear access to the rear of the part so the socket is exposed

c.get your knob out - usually a tiny locking screw needs to be partial undone, then pull gently

d. unscrew the base locking ring on the front spindle

e. pull straight out gently from inside and lay it down on something soft and absorbent to soak up any leakage

f. prise the part gently apart at the centre

g. squirt deep inside

h.

Edited October 30, 2013 by Nada

[MooneeBeach]

Thanks, Nada.  I've carried out the above, which has improved the popping to a certain extent - it still pops and crackles though.  Burson have offered to sell me their new Soloist/Conductor attenuator at a reduced price to try and help out (great customer service btw).  I think I'll give that a go first, only because the Burson HA-160D sounds so good!

[Nada]

Well done. It might improve with a bit more movement. Try spinning the volume knob both ways slowly then rapidly for a few minutes while the cleaner is still wet. It might just get some oxide off or loosen up some stuck connectors.

 

It will always click mechanically but the pops and cracks out the speakers/cans shouldn't be tolerated.

[Hi Fi Delirium]

Deleted - inaccurate link.

Edited September 2, 2018 by CJDJ
Inaccurate information in link