Before I start testing....

[wimmer]

Hello all - I have a nice pair of Creative T40's that I would like to repair as they are excellent, but before I start de-soldering (I am not too much of a total novice at electronics), I would like an opinion. When playing at low volume sound is fine, but when increasing volume, both L&R speakers distort. I have changed Power input adapters but still the same. The speaker without the electronics reproduces fine in another system. I am going for a capacitor that can't hold enough power - BUT is it more likely to be on the board with the toroidal transformer, (seen on left in pic), rather than on the switch and output boards? There doesn't seem to be any bulging capacitors on these boards, but as you can see, there is about 1/2 ton of heat gun glue to get past first! Any tips appreciated.

 

[Martaine2005]

Hi Wimmer,
That board on the left with a "toroidal" looks like a high pass filter.
It definitely sounds like a capacitor...The internal power supply is probably to blame.
The only real way to know for sure is with an ESR meter.
However, if you have a few similar caps to the boards caps, you can tack or touch the new legs to the onboard caps. If normal volume and sound returns, that's your culprit.

Martin

 

[wimmer]

Hi Wimmer,
That board on the left with a "toroidal" looks like a high pass filter.
It definitely sounds like a capacitor...The internal power supply is probably to blame.
The only real way to know for sure is with an ESR meter.
However, if you have a few similar caps to the boards caps, you can tack or touch the new legs to the onboard caps. If normal volume and sound returns, that's your culprit.

Martin

Thanks Martin, do you know what you call the caps (they are caps I presume) on the 'board on the left', that have a pin either end, (would just help me source one easier)?

 

[Martaine2005]

Yes, they are called Axial caps. But I doubt they are causing your problem. They would block or fade the high frequency to the tweeter. (If it is a band pass filter).
More than likely the board where the DC adaptor connects to the unit.

Martin

 

[GPG]

Thanks Martin, do you know what you call the caps (they are caps I presume) on the 'board on the left',

They are bipolar electrolytics (BP label) and I would guess a part of a crossover with the toroidal inductor

 

[cjdelphi]

The board at the back appears to be the main power supply..


The board on the left carries the 120/240vac through the caps and toroidal filter ? Could be wrong

The one on the right looks OK, I'd like to see photos of that board at the back