Sunfire Cinema Grand Review (5-channel Amp)

[DonH56]

Unfortunately mine has developed a humming/buzzing toroidal transformer. Anyone know what I can replace it with? I think the output is 95.6V (Red) and 19.6v (blue and green) and I couldn't find any transformers with that output.

In addition, or after trying, @JayGilb 's suggestions, you could try a DC blocker on the power cord. Here is one, a search will likely turn up others: https://emotiva.com/collections/accessories/products/cmx-2

 

[RichB]

Unfortunately mine has developed a humming/buzzing toroidal transformer. Anyone know what I can replace it with? I think the output is 95.6V (Red) and 19.6v (blue and green) and I couldn't find any transformers with that output.

Pretty much every all transformer-based amps had low level hum/buzz.
I supplied this amp to dropped shipped to ASR.

It is still in the box, I plan on selling it, not really trying to make money, just over the repair costs shipping.

PM me if interested.

- Rich

 

[2fatpugs]

Pretty much every all transformer-based amps had low level hum/buzz.
I supplied this amp to dropped shipped to ASR.

It is still in the box, I plan on selling it, not really trying to make money, just over the repair costs shipping.

PM me if interested.

- Rich

I ordered the 6 ch MP 252 amp from Buckeye. I wanted to fix the buzz so I can sell mine too!

 

[2fatpugs]

In addition, or after trying, @JayGilb 's suggestions, you could try a DC blocker on the power cord. Here is one, a search will likely turn up others: https://emotiva.com/collections/accessories/products/cmx-2

I don't think it's my line. The buzzing sound only got noticeable a few weeks ago.

 

[2fatpugs]

Have you tried to loosen/re-tighten the transformer mounts or add some additional damping material to the mounting system ?

Thanks I'll try that. There always been a humming noise but it was barely audible unless I put my head next to the amp. Now I can hear the buzzing sound from the kitchen. I also forgot that if I unplugged the amp and leave it alone for awhile, when I plug it back in, it goes from buzzing back to a low hum. The buzzing would come back after I start using the amp again.

 

[JayGilb]

I don't think it's my line. The buzzing sound only got noticeable a few weeks ago.

Have you added any new electronic devices to your house in that time period ? Any light dimmers that started humming ?

 

[2fatpugs]

Have you added any new electronic devices to your house in that time period ? Any light dimmers that started humming ?

Nope everything's the same.

 

[Spkrdctr]

I'd suggest replacing the transformer with a brand new one of the non-humming type. Oh and remember, cost is no object!

 

[RichB]

I ordered the 6 ch MP 252 amp from Buckeye. I wanted to fix the buzz so I can sell mine too!

Ha ha.

I‘d better get mine listed soon

- Rich

 

[2fatpugs]

I'd suggest replacing the transformer with a brand new one of the non-humming type. Oh and remember, cost is no object!

That's the problem, I don't know what to replace it with!

 

[gattaca]

There are only a few remaining Carver/Sunfire Audio Repair Shops that I know of which specialize in handling the Sunfire/Carver amps. A 3rd, Bill Flannery at Flannery's Vintage Audio, retired in mid 2022 due to health.

a) Mr. Roland Barr @ Carver Audio Repair -> https://www.carveraudiorepair.com/
b) Mr. Garska @ Nelionaudio -> https://nelionaudio.com/

You might find some of the manuals, schematics and spec/design sheets here to glean part info from. Many parts are no longer manufactured today. -> https://thecarversite.com/

This "repair" sheet has not been updated in a while -> https://carverstereoforum.com/wp-co.../Sunfire-Repair-Sheet-updated-July-2017-1.pdf

I've used Mr. Barr (and Mr. Flannery) several times these past 25+ years to re-cap and inspect amps. Their fees were always fair and the work have always been immaculate. Sometimes they have a wait queue. I've not used Nelionaudio yet. Stay safe - Have a great day! YMMV.

 

[Online_olympian]

I am looking to buy one of these. I just picked up a Sony ta n9000es and I would like to know how they compare.

 

[GXAlan]

I am looking to buy one of these. I just picked up a Sony ta n9000es and I would like to know how they compare.

I have measured my TA-N9000ES to beat the NC252MP. The Sony is good if you don’t need power.

 

[2fatpugs]

I am looking to buy one of these. I just picked up a Sony ta n9000es and I would like to know how they compare.

Mine is for sale. There's a slight buzz from the transformer but other wise it is good shape. I have it re-coditioned by Bill Flannery 4 years ago. Message me if you are interested and we can come to a fair price.

 

[Online_olympian]

Mine is for sale. There's a slight buzz from the transformer but other wise it is good shape. I have it re-coditioned by Bill Flannery 4 years ago. Message me if you are interested and we can come to a fair price.

I may be interested. I did just buy a few more amps though, a denon avrx 4500, Harmon kardon citation 22, adcom 5400, haffler dh200, and some pro amps. Getting ready to put together my living room with a full 11.2 system and my theater room with at least 13.2.
Regards,
Jeff

 

[Online_olympian]

I am willing to buy one. Or maybe ever 2. They have been a dream Amp of mine since I installed a dozen of them in a home in 2001.

 

[TonyJZX]

i remember when ac3 dts 5.1 dvd was firing on all cylinders and everyone thought the AVR amp or avp and 5 channel amp was the thing... people accepted they needed 5 speakers and a sub

3-5-6 channel amps were the big thing people lusted after

that Sony 9000ES was one but a $2,500 usd power amp like this Sunfire was the stuff of dreams where it could be $5,000 of our dollars... the Rotel 985 at the lower end... I ended up with a Parasound BUT a big deal for some was THX certification which sort of guaranteed a minimum standard of performance.

I would love to see how a RB985 compares but I suspect every one of these 5 channel units if flawed in some way.

Product Review - Rotel RB 985 Five Channel Power Amplifier

Rotel is no newcomer to audio electronics, having been in manufacturing for more than 30 years. The RB 985 is their multi-channel power amplifier entry into the home theater market.

hometheaterhifi.com

 

[pseudoid]

...Krell 300i...

I used to lust for a Krell... any Krell... Never happened!
I remember any Krell that was a "300i" as being an integrated amp K-300i with their inhouse iBias design.
There were some brute Krell power amps like the FPB-300c and the KSA series but...
Anyways, what I want to know is how dare you to get rid of such a classic/collectible? Why? Any Regrets?

 

[Online_olympian]

Mine is for sale. There's a slight buzz from the transformer but other wise it is good shape. I have it re-coditioned by Bill Flannery 4 years ago. Message me if you are interested and we can come to a fair price.

Message me, I am very interested.

 

[Online_olympian]

Ha ha.

I‘d better get mine listed soon

- Rich

I am interested in buying at least one if not 2. Message me to work out the details. Thank you!