651w Cambridge replacement

[Bvbellomo]

My 651w Cambridge is dying slowly, and occasionally lets out wails and gasps of agony. This was one of the best purchases I ever made, and I still can't believe how much cleaner and more dynamic my sound is over higher end integrated receivers.

A little over a year ago, it started producing background noise - this does not sound like radio static, more like someone rubbing a balloon, scratching a record on a turntable, or a really loud fart. The noise is intermittent, but bad enough, and other than waiting for the problem to go away, I haven't found a solution. Switching from balanced to RCA input helped, adding a noise-reducing power supply helped, but the problem is getting worse over time. It is not related to content or volume, but I haven't reproduced it without anything connected to the amp so I am not even 100% certain this amp is at fault (but it does happen with several different preamps).

I was reading the recent WiiM Amp Pro Streaming Stereo Amplifier Review and am tempted to pick up a replacement. I don't want to take apart the 651w without having a good backup, and I could use an amp to get decent audio output on my computer if I end up not using it to replace the 651w. Is there anything else I should look at? I want something with as good, or better, quality; similar output levels; and ideally a lower price.

 

[AnalogSteph]

A little over a year ago, it started producing background noise - this does not sound like radio static, more like someone rubbing a balloon, scratching a record on a turntable, or a really loud fart. The noise is intermittent, but bad enough, and other than waiting for the problem to go away, I haven't found a solution.

Sounds like bad solder joints, hard to tell where exactly though (can you isolate it to one channel?). The unit should probably be gone over by someone who's got a lot of routine doing soldering / rework.

 

[Bvbellomo]

Sounds like bad solder joints, hard to tell where exactly though (can you isolate it to one channel?). The unit should probably be gone over by someone who's got a lot of routine doing soldering / rework.

Given the cost to ship this unit and the cost of a new one, that "someone" is probably me. Either way, I want a replacement first.

The problem is not isolated to one channel, but not the same in both. It might be a bigger issue on the right side, or it might be random.

 

[MaxwellsEq]

The problem is not isolated to one channel, but not the same in both. It might be a bigger issue on the right side, or it might be random

So something that's common - PSU or protection circuit. If there's a safety relay the contacts may be an issue.

 

[Bvbellomo]

The Topping PA5 II Plus seems good for $260. I appreciate the bar graph with the "best amplifiers" but there are so many amplifiers. I wish there was a similar list that included the approximate price. Otherwise I have to check each one to see if it is within budget. And there are so many amplifiers...