Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have an old SX-780 that I keep down in my studio. It's rated at 150 watts. Occasionally at high volumes the sound goes out completely. This happens about every other year or so. I always take it to a local repair center and they fix it for about $65 a pop. I have never asked what they replace, but the last time it was repaired the receiver only lasted about 2 months until the volume went out again.
Does anyone know what is happening, and can I have someone do a mod so this doesn't happen again?
I would hate to shelf this thing for good. I had it for so many years and when it works properly it sounds great.
Thanks!

Sounds like a thermal pop to me. ???

Thermal pop?

Any cure for that Paul?

To be clearer, thermal shutdown. It's running hot, I theorize.

Our buddy Greg (Soundmaster G) is the guru with respect to this. Why not cross-post in Tube Tech?

Shall do.

Thanks Paul!

I have some experience with these. The switches in these tend to get very flaky when they get dirty. I would recommend a disassembly and full cleaning. This from someone who has used a SX-780, 980, and 1180 quite a bit.

I have a similar problem with my Pioneer SX-535. Check these guys out Vintage Electronics

JimK