It is not long ago that I found this beautiful forum. Simply great!
Now I do have a problem with my Klout and seek advise:
Some time ago I realised that a high 'eeep' disturbs the music in irregular
time intervals. As I am listening often while I am cooking in the evening
I just heard the sound. Living on the countryside I attributed it to disturbances
in the power mains supply (the farmers around use machines which
are not really graceful to the neighbouring mains supplies). But now,
sitting a while in front of the speakers, I found that the sound comes from
the fact that one channel of the Klout switches off, red LED lights, and
the usual 'power on' or 'off' sound is produced when the Klout switches
back to 'green' after a few seconds. Then everything is normal for a while,
then 'eeep' again.
I checked: This occurs from time to time for many days now, after I
got accustomed to observe the amplifier when playing.
My concerns are now: Might this be dangerous for the speakers?
And what could be a likely cause? Music is not very loud (countryside
is quiet) so overload is not likely at all, and the other channel is
constantly ok. And, of course, most
important: What can possibly be done about it? Is this a problem
encountered before with Klouts? (Mine is S/N 1100).
And if a repair has to be considered, is it worth the effort or might it be
better to invest in newer stuff? In principal, I like the amp quite a bit
and tend to use it as long as possible - and invest rather into the LP12
(obviously there are numerous opportunities for that at present)
if money allows.
Cheers, for today,
Klaus
Problems with a Klout: Repair or not?
Moderator: Staff
Klaus
I had this with a klout a long time ago. If I remember correctly the problem was with the speaker and the amp was "protecting" itself! - I was told!
The amp was returned to Linn for service and was returned with "no fault found" It happened when I was running 3 klouts with Ninkas. Eventually I moved it to run the treble and the problem was resolved.
Although no fault was found I always believed that out of threee klouts only this one had the problem - I still believe that there was a minor fault.
However, yes it is worth repairing as Linn still support klouts. With a standard fee in the UK which used to be around £150??
Good luck
steve.
I had this with a klout a long time ago. If I remember correctly the problem was with the speaker and the amp was "protecting" itself! - I was told!
The amp was returned to Linn for service and was returned with "no fault found" It happened when I was running 3 klouts with Ninkas. Eventually I moved it to run the treble and the problem was resolved.
Although no fault was found I always believed that out of threee klouts only this one had the problem - I still believe that there was a minor fault.
However, yes it is worth repairing as Linn still support klouts. With a standard fee in the UK which used to be around £150??
Good luck
steve.
-
Moomintroll
- Active member
- Posts: 166
- Joined: 2007-04-22 21:52
- Location: UK
I doubt it has anything to do with the Kairn auto-switch as that would effect both channels. It could be a protection circuit. I would try switching channels with the speaker cables at the back of the Klout to see if the problem swithces channels or stays on the same side. If it stays on the same side of the amp you have a problem with the Klout. If it switches then the speaker cables or a speaker is likely at fault.
It is definitely worth sending in, even if you want to upgrade, as the cost of repair is likely to be much less that what you could sell it for used. Before sending it in you might try moving the voltage selector switch on the bottom through the different settings a couple of times and then setting it back to the proper setting. This will clean the contacts which can corrode over time. I know of another person with a similar problem who cleared it up that way. If you are comfortable going inside the Klout you can improve the sound by unplugging and replugging in the internal cables a couple of times each to clean their contacts as well. Doing this every six months or so will relust in a noticeable improvement in the sound as will doing the same to all RCAs and speaker connectors.
Good luck.
It is definitely worth sending in, even if you want to upgrade, as the cost of repair is likely to be much less that what you could sell it for used. Before sending it in you might try moving the voltage selector switch on the bottom through the different settings a couple of times and then setting it back to the proper setting. This will clean the contacts which can corrode over time. I know of another person with a similar problem who cleared it up that way. If you are comfortable going inside the Klout you can improve the sound by unplugging and replugging in the internal cables a couple of times each to clean their contacts as well. Doing this every six months or so will relust in a noticeable improvement in the sound as will doing the same to all RCAs and speaker connectors.
Good luck.
some progress
Thanks for your hints!
Encouraged by your comments I started to check out myself what could be wrong
by modular exchange. First I took off all cables from the Klout, except of
the power cord, and switched it on. I watched it until I lost patience - about
half an hour. Result: Green LED, no red light. Much delighted, as
the amp seemed ok, I changed it from the treble that it served up to
date to the midrange (active system, no auto-switch), and used the previous
midrange Klout for the treble.
I almost missed my cooking session by doing so, as
1. sound impoved a lot, obviously just by the cleaning action of un&replugging,
(I gave this 'service' to some other components, too) leading to longer listening
2. no red light as long as I enjoyed the music
I will observe the system for another while and will post feedback here
what happens. I was hesitating to send the Klout in, because failures
that occur every once in a while are the most nasty things to search for
in my experience. I will also do what I can with respect to cleaning of
the other contacts during the weekend - after the first success I'm
really curious what the result will be.
I realise that the huge amount of power (and weight) of a Klout is perhaps
not too adequate to the small power a treble unit needs, but it simply
sounded better with all amps being the same. Perhaps S/N 1100 got
insulted by the little work it was allowed to do - ok, without joking: perhaps
it's a good idea to rotate the amps for bass, midrange, and treble once
a year or so?
Regards, Klaus
Encouraged by your comments I started to check out myself what could be wrong
by modular exchange. First I took off all cables from the Klout, except of
the power cord, and switched it on. I watched it until I lost patience - about
half an hour. Result: Green LED, no red light. Much delighted, as
the amp seemed ok, I changed it from the treble that it served up to
date to the midrange (active system, no auto-switch), and used the previous
midrange Klout for the treble.
I almost missed my cooking session by doing so, as
1. sound impoved a lot, obviously just by the cleaning action of un&replugging,
(I gave this 'service' to some other components, too) leading to longer listening
2. no red light as long as I enjoyed the music
I will observe the system for another while and will post feedback here
what happens. I was hesitating to send the Klout in, because failures
that occur every once in a while are the most nasty things to search for
in my experience. I will also do what I can with respect to cleaning of
the other contacts during the weekend - after the first success I'm
really curious what the result will be.
I realise that the huge amount of power (and weight) of a Klout is perhaps
not too adequate to the small power a treble unit needs, but it simply
sounded better with all amps being the same. Perhaps S/N 1100 got
insulted by the little work it was allowed to do - ok, without joking: perhaps
it's a good idea to rotate the amps for bass, midrange, and treble once
a year or so?
Regards, Klaus
-
Moomintroll
- Active member
- Posts: 166
- Joined: 2007-04-22 21:52
- Location: UK
ThomasOK,
you're absolutely correct, I'd missed the point that it was single channel fault.
Klaus - don't think of it in terms of power or watts - what the Klout delivers is "control" and the treble unit is actually the most demanding in this respect as, due to the minute distances travelled, there is far more room for error. Relatively speaking.
Hope you've managed to cure the fault.
'Troll
you're absolutely correct, I'd missed the point that it was single channel fault.
Klaus - don't think of it in terms of power or watts - what the Klout delivers is "control" and the treble unit is actually the most demanding in this respect as, due to the minute distances travelled, there is far more room for error. Relatively speaking.
Hope you've managed to cure the fault.
'Troll
premature report of success
Linn-wise the weekend was less successful than wished. Soon the Klout
started to behave like it did before: 'eeep' when powering up again after
the red LED appeared for a few seconds (right channel only). Thus, the
nice plans to do some cleaning and have some relaxed listing hours had
to be postponed.
However, I realized that the voltage selector of the Klout was set at
220V. This is what we had a long time ago in Germany. I remember
that the recommendation during the transition from 220V to 240V was
to keep the setting of 220V for sound reasons. I will now switch to a setting
of 240V and we'll see if things change. Is this difference a big deal?
The two voltages seem so close together.
Regards, Klaus
started to behave like it did before: 'eeep' when powering up again after
the red LED appeared for a few seconds (right channel only). Thus, the
nice plans to do some cleaning and have some relaxed listing hours had
to be postponed.
However, I realized that the voltage selector of the Klout was set at
220V. This is what we had a long time ago in Germany. I remember
that the recommendation during the transition from 220V to 240V was
to keep the setting of 220V for sound reasons. I will now switch to a setting
of 240V and we'll see if things change. Is this difference a big deal?
The two voltages seem so close together.
Regards, Klaus
This Klout problem is well known and the cause can be one of several things. One is the protection daughter-board that sits plugged into the middle of main board. If you switch position of those two (left board goes to right side and vice versa) and the problem then appears on the other channel, you need a new protection board.
It might also be a good idea to send it in. Even if it's intermittent, they should be able to fix it as it's a known problem (although with multiple causes).
If the Klout transformer gives a slight 'bzzzzzz' humming sound, this can be decreased by setting the voltage switch in the 240V position. The sound difference is quite small between these two settings anyway.
It might also be a good idea to send it in. Even if it's intermittent, they should be able to fix it as it's a known problem (although with multiple causes).
If the Klout transformer gives a slight 'bzzzzzz' humming sound, this can be decreased by setting the voltage switch in the 240V position. The sound difference is quite small between these two settings anyway.
Hey Fredrik could the Klout buzzing not be caused by the quality of the mains.When one of my klouts buzz the system doesnt sound that great.I remember when I had a LK100 I could tell if my system was going to sing or not when I turned on the 100.If I could hear the transformer 'klunk on 'then hum all would not be well and if it was just the sound of the click of the switch and no it was a much better story.
I know that tune
Yes, sure. DC on the mains is said to cause hum in some transformers (I have not verified that experimentally, so I just believe what they say).
But when you do have mechanical hum, it can be decreased by setting the voltage regulator to a higher number. And in the choice between 220 or 240 V, the operation won't be affected and the possible slight performance loss is IMHO easily traded for a reduction of hum.
But when you do have mechanical hum, it can be decreased by setting the voltage regulator to a higher number. And in the choice between 220 or 240 V, the operation won't be affected and the possible slight performance loss is IMHO easily traded for a reduction of hum.
-
Music Lover
- Very active member
- Posts: 1673
- Joined: 2007-01-31 20:35
- Location: In front of Lejonklou/JBL/Ofil
fyi, I never experienced any of these issues owning Klout's during 40 man years (yes, I had quite few of them :mrgreen: ) despite using them in seven different houses.
Are they serviced and are the power cords separated from the other cables i.e. not in parallel?
Any "non Linn equipment" connnected to the same power outlet?
Are they serviced and are the power cords separated from the other cables i.e. not in parallel?
Any "non Linn equipment" connnected to the same power outlet?
It's all about musical understanding!
After some busy time, here are the (positive) results of my actions:
Changing the voltage selector from 220V to 240V seems to have cured the
problem with the shutdown and restart of the right Klout channel. I do not
understand that really, as I expected that the internal voltage control of the
Klout would be robust and work properly with both settings. I did not
have time to measure the supply voltage of my mains, but promise to
do so within a few next days. I had now
several hours of listening without the problem. Not too much, though, but
enough to expect the problem with the 220V setting. The Klout does its
job at the treble section again, where it was installed initially. The
system sounds excellent. However, I cannot state which part this is due to the
voltage selection, as I had too little patience and did the internal cleaning
of the contacts (disconnect and replug all internal connectors) at the same
time - sorry for that, but the Klouts are sooo heavy and not too easily taken off
the shelf. Noise from the transformers is also noticeably reduced. Overall,
the result is delighting - thanks a lot for all the hints.
I might be interesting (but not related to the red LED problem) to note here
that my power amps stand on suspended boards. Between the speakers.
The suspension once gave a big improvement in sound quality - compared
to just put them on the floor. Initially I thought to use a Trampolin base,
but, ok you know it before you do it, it is not strong enough. I now use
10 mm Neoprene rope and have a construction with a board hanging on
four of these. Just the size of a Klout. (This complicates the handling a bit.)
It's worthwhile to have a try!
Regards, Klaus
Changing the voltage selector from 220V to 240V seems to have cured the
problem with the shutdown and restart of the right Klout channel. I do not
understand that really, as I expected that the internal voltage control of the
Klout would be robust and work properly with both settings. I did not
have time to measure the supply voltage of my mains, but promise to
do so within a few next days. I had now
several hours of listening without the problem. Not too much, though, but
enough to expect the problem with the 220V setting. The Klout does its
job at the treble section again, where it was installed initially. The
system sounds excellent. However, I cannot state which part this is due to the
voltage selection, as I had too little patience and did the internal cleaning
of the contacts (disconnect and replug all internal connectors) at the same
time - sorry for that, but the Klouts are sooo heavy and not too easily taken off
the shelf. Noise from the transformers is also noticeably reduced. Overall,
the result is delighting - thanks a lot for all the hints.
I might be interesting (but not related to the red LED problem) to note here
that my power amps stand on suspended boards. Between the speakers.
The suspension once gave a big improvement in sound quality - compared
to just put them on the floor. Initially I thought to use a Trampolin base,
but, ok you know it before you do it, it is not strong enough. I now use
10 mm Neoprene rope and have a construction with a board hanging on
four of these. Just the size of a Klout. (This complicates the handling a bit.)
It's worthwhile to have a try!
Regards, Klaus
back to zero
sorry, again, back to zero: everything turns out to be as it was
at the start. except that my power selector is set at 240V.
hmmm.
at the start. except that my power selector is set at 240V.
hmmm.
board change = channel change
ok, I grabbed a screwdriver and changed the places
of the 'safety' backpacked PCBs, left to right and vice
versa. The red LED and 'eeep' changed accordingly.
Now the red LED is on the right channel. Thus,
the backpacked PCB seems to be the culprit. CAn this
piece be exchanged as a module without the need of new
adjustments to the amp?
Regards, Klaus
of the 'safety' backpacked PCBs, left to right and vice
versa. The red LED and 'eeep' changed accordingly.
Now the red LED is on the right channel. Thus,
the backpacked PCB seems to be the culprit. CAn this
piece be exchanged as a module without the need of new
adjustments to the amp?
Regards, Klaus
left channel, of course
pardon me, now its the left channel, of course, as
it has been the right channel before. Klaus
it has been the right channel before. Klaus
Well done Klaus!
Indeed it sounds like the piggy back board is faulty. You can order a new one from your Linn retailer for about 150 Euro. I'm sure the old one can be repaired as well, but I doubt you'll save much money on that.
The higher voltage setting is, however, likely to make the unit more cool running, less buzzing and longer living.
Indeed it sounds like the piggy back board is faulty. You can order a new one from your Linn retailer for about 150 Euro. I'm sure the old one can be repaired as well, but I doubt you'll save much money on that.
No, I am saying that this adjustment does affect the sound, but only slightly. You have to try it yourself to find out whether it gets better or worse (both are possible theoretically, although I believe power amps will more often benefit from the lower setting).Lego wrote:are we saying that switching the voltage to 220 instead of 240 will give a better tune
The higher voltage setting is, however, likely to make the unit more cool running, less buzzing and longer living.
happy again
Final success with Klout repair! The piggy boards arrived,
have been installed, and music plays again... Sounds better
than ever, it seems to me. I see three possible explanations:
1. After some time with a reduced system (multi amping minus
one Klout), the recovered full system sounds simply much better
than the temporarily restricted one. No doubt it does, but
performance seems even better than it had been before the fault.
2. The unplugging/replugging did a nice cleaning job.
3. The piggy boards make a difference. (They came in as
a pair, 150 Euro, and I installed the new boards on both
channels of the treble amp).
Maybe it is a combination of the above. As far as I understood,
the piggy board is not in the signal path, so it should not
make a difference in sound - right?
I run the system now at 240V selector setting. My mains
were 232V yesterday. Amps remain clearly cooler now than with
a setting of 220V. I also confirm that transformer noise is
much reduced. Very enjoyable!
Overall I am very grateful -
in particular for the forum, and perhaps I should also
be grateful for the fault of the board, because this prompted
all the care and cleaning of the amps. This is really easily
done if you only have spent the effort to start with it.
Regards, Klaus
have been installed, and music plays again... Sounds better
than ever, it seems to me. I see three possible explanations:
1. After some time with a reduced system (multi amping minus
one Klout), the recovered full system sounds simply much better
than the temporarily restricted one. No doubt it does, but
performance seems even better than it had been before the fault.
2. The unplugging/replugging did a nice cleaning job.
3. The piggy boards make a difference. (They came in as
a pair, 150 Euro, and I installed the new boards on both
channels of the treble amp).
Maybe it is a combination of the above. As far as I understood,
the piggy board is not in the signal path, so it should not
make a difference in sound - right?
I run the system now at 240V selector setting. My mains
were 232V yesterday. Amps remain clearly cooler now than with
a setting of 220V. I also confirm that transformer noise is
much reduced. Very enjoyable!
Overall I am very grateful -
in particular for the forum, and perhaps I should also
be grateful for the fault of the board, because this prompted
all the care and cleaning of the amps. This is really easily
done if you only have spent the effort to start with it.
Regards, Klaus