Fender Super Champ X2, anyone here had work done, issues?

[cupric]

I have a X2, combo,about three years old, purchased new. Never gigged out.
The amp has a great Fender vintage sound. I do not use the effects channel much, mostly channel one. Lately the amp has developed a buzz. It also seems to lose some volume. The tubes look ok, I do not have a separate speaker can to verify speaker integrity.
There's mixed thoughts on the internet. Some feel that this is a durable amp, others consider it a intended throw away design.
Any ideas, experiances?
Thank you!

 

[GAD]

Looking at gut shot pics it’s definitely a design that can be repaired which is nice, But how much money I’d sink into it is another question.

The first thing to try with your stated symptoms is always tubes.

Modern tubes do not have the lifespan of the ones from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

 

[jp]

I agree with GAD. Tubes first.

Then check over connections for cold weld soldering joints and loose wires. You can try simple chopstick testing by poking around to see what might affect the buzzing sound.

Of course, if you don't feel comfortable messing around with live voltage testing, leave it to an expert rather than risk Keith Relf-ing yourself.

I don't think these are throwaway designs as much as I think the build quality isn't what it could be. That said, I think the configuration is a great sounding little tube amp and one of the best values in a grab-and-go bedroom/practice amp. I like the sound of them better than the Blues Junior, especially after a speaker upgrade, mostly because I like the sound of 6V6 tubes rather than EL84s.

Dreadnut has one and seems happy with it AFAIK.

 

[Default]

Illinois brand electrolytic (filter) capacitors have an awful reputation in modern Fender amps. If you take the back off, look for the big striped cylinders with MFD written on them. Don't touch anything, or you will get a nasty shock and make sure that the amp is unplugged. Look for leaking, staining or bulging - those are all signs that you need them replaced.

 

[cupric]

Excellent advise! I will have a look inside and report back.

Thank you!

 

[SFIV1967]

...look for the big striped cylinders with MFD written on them.

Illinois caps usually have the "IC" marking on them.



Ralf

 

[Default]

You want to look on both ends for said tomfoolery. If there is a bulge or gunk coming out, they need to be replaced.

 

[SFIV1967]

Ralf

 

[Default]

I don't particularly like that guy as a technician. A screwdriver works, just don't touch the shaft

 

[Guildedagain]

Anyone remember the "flyback transformer" in TV's?

 

[Guildedagain]

In this day and age of dismally bad Youtube videos, he's not bad at all.

I've always used a big screwdriver, learned it from the old timers.

Any idea what causes a crack or pop to emanate from the speaker?

Probably filter caps again I imagine. This is on my Ampeg Reverberocket. It doesn't do it often. In fact it hasn't done it the last few times I fired it up. But it did it the first day I fired it up after not running for a couple years. Also, the Reverb goes into a squeal if turned up to high - God's way of telling you not to turn Reverb up too high - which upon some Google research could be something as simple as removing/replacing the Reverb tank leads.

It also hums a little, always has.

Filter caps.

I'd like to do the job myself. Cheaper, and less strain on my back than taking into town to a tech, going back to get it, etc.

So doing it myself would be saving the planet, less driving ;]

 

[Default]

None of those issues on the Ampeg are filter cap related. Filter caps are humming that degerates eventually into "motorboating" which sounds exactly that. Then the cap shorts through and you lose one or both of your transformers. You should take the Ampeg to someone with experience. If you want to start learning about this stuff, buy a tweed champ head kit and build that first.

 

[GAD]

Snicker.... motor-boating...

Years ago when I started dorking around with old tube amps I built a little discharge cable. A huge high-watt resistor, a couple of alligator clips, some shrink wrap, and it was good.

I’m not a fan of the screwdriver trick, and I used to start my ‘69 Torino by shorting the connections on the starter. I still have that massive Craftsman screwdriver, too. Can’t remember ever turning a screw with it, but it’s a fabulous lever, pry-bar, and weapon.

 

[Guildedagain]

It's getting hard to find a tech you can trust, and then there's the bill...

Any preference on the tweed head kit?

 

[SFIV1967]

Years ago when I started dorking around with old tube amps I built a little discharge cable. A huge high-watt resistor, a couple of alligator clips, some shrink wrap, and it was good.

Ralf

 

[Default]

It's getting hard to find a tech you can trust, and then there's the bill...

Any preference on the tweed head kit?

You are paying for knowledge and no accidental heart arrhythmia....
No preference on the kit. They are pretty common.

 

[Guildedagain]

Well ok then, I've been wanting to get into tube amp repair for decades now, maybe it's time.

 

[GAD]

Exactly what I made only mine is nicer.

 

[cupric]

Well, I looked it over today. No leaking caps, nothing burnt, etc. The input jack was a bit funky looking. As was the speaker jack. Cleaned both with electronics cleaner. Sprayed down the pots and board while I was there. No loose solder, joints, etc. Put it back together. No evidence of noise. I'll have to see if it returns. It's a bit of a phantom issue.
I also called Fender yesterday. The tech notes do not mention any issues with the SCX2. There's mention of similar issues in the net.... FUSE software was discontinued. I never used it.
With the silicon globe on certain components I almost thought Dumble built this amp. Maybe he took easy employment in Mexico?
Thanks for your help!

 

[dreadnut]

I used to teach my electronics repair guys "50% of the time, the source of the problem can be found with a thorough visual and functional inspection."

You just proved my point. I hope the circuit cleaner spray did the trick; at least you got the noise to disappear temporarily so you know you're on the right track.

Pretty much all the pots on my Crate 125W Acoustic amp were noisy or crackly. Sprayed 'em all down with circuit cleaner while twisting the knobs, problem solved.