Mark Levinson No. 29 issue and Melbourne repair

[Em Paz]

Hey friends,

 

I've got two Mark Levinson No. 29.

 

One of them (purchased second-hand from someone on here last year), worked fine for about three months, and then intermittently goes into what seems to be circuity protection mode: after turning it on, after 2-10 seconds, it turns back off. Watch video of issue

 

When I say intermittent, I can sometimes turn the amp on a day or later, and it stays on with no problems. Then the issue doesn't happen again for weeks.

 

I can replicate this issue on different systems, power cables, outlets, and in different buildings. The other Mark Levinson No. 29 I have works great on the same setups.

 

According to the owner's manual (attached), this usually happens because of an "electrical malfunction or inadequate ventilation" (see page 8). I strongly suspect it's the former, as it's got heaps of ventilation space.

 

Would any of you folks have any hypotheses as to why this is happening? And can you recommend any reputable Mark Levinson repair agents in or around Melbourne who can diagnose and repair the amp?

 

Thanks!

No. 29 Operating Manual.pdf

Edited July 8, 2024 by Em Paz

[Keith_W]

If you turn it on from cold and it does that, then it's not an issue with ventilation. Unless your amp has eyes and feels claustrophobia  Time to take it to The Man, I think. 

[Allan]

yep sounds like a circuit protection is kicking in, your PS softstart circuitry or maybe DC protection is acting up.

ML's have a lot of protection circuitry and not every Joe Blo understands or can troubleshoot them

Do some serious background checks before handing the amp over for the repairs!!!

Better still, I strongly suggest you contact ML service headquarters in USA and ask who their Aussie recommended service agent is

 

Certainly fixable in the right hands

 

Edited August 13, 2024 by Allan

[Em Paz]

Thanks @Allan!

 

I've done some asking around and it seems Amber Technology in NSW is ML's authorised repair agent – though I had a pretty lukewarm response to their fixing it, which was odd…

 

With the shipping weight and diagnostics fee alone it'll cost at least $500  but I don't want a deadweight lump of metal on my hands either.

[agisthos]

Contact @skies2clear

[Allan]

contact ML USA & ask them.

 

There's going to be time needed to find the issue, in the wrong hands it'll bite!

 

Similar 29 faults have been ~$30 in parts

 

 

Edited August 14, 2024 by Allan

[Em Paz]

Encouraging to hear, @Allan. I'm waiting for a response from ML USA at the moment

 

Cheers @agisthos, I'll reach out