Well my KAC 714 is out of commision. The E-Core Transformer decided to go on vacation. I can repair the amp. A new transformer (from East Coast Transister) will run about $42 plus shipping. Now I have only $25 invested in this amp. I found it in an electronics shop junk pile. The owner told me that it had been there over 6-months and if I pay the diagnostic fee ($12.50) the amp is mine. I took it to my shop and found two bad MOSFETS, I replaced them along with 6-resistors. The amp has worked flawlessly for over 6-years. Should I replace or repair the amp I have. I am a Kenwood dealer so I can get Kenwood at cost. I will stay with Kenwood because it has been super reliable. Repair or Peplace?
The amp is too old, imo. Sh1tcan it and get something more efficient. Times have changed, and sure has technology in the last 6-7 years...
Everyone I know is agreeing with you. Currently I am looking at a Kenwood KAC 8452. Its a 4-channel. If I use it, it will replace both amps that are currently behind me. I'll have to make a new fiberglass coverboard but that should be no problem.
I am of the frame of mind, that if it can be repaired, and you like the way it sounds, why change? You sound pretty sure of the problem, and soujnds about right to me from what i remember..... Save yourself a few buck, fix her up and stick with what works. Nothing wrong with old equipment. The new stuff is mostly eye candy anyway, and you and i both know that going with even an amp twice as powerful will not yeild a night a day difference in spl or SQ... Just my thoughts.....and the money you save, take the lil lady out for a night on the town, the rewards can be far greater than the new amp!!!
Hey Azn, behind me are two amps, one two-channel for the door speakers and the mono-block for the woofer. Viking, I'm really not in a hurry. My system is still running on 3 amps and it really sounds good, I really have not lost that much, just the very lowest notes. Its still loud as hell. And I do agree, there would not be any noticable sound difference. The additional power is not really that much more. Score so far 2-fix it (me and you) Everyone else replace it. (about 12, including wife, friends, co-workers and Clipser)
