Broken X-Can V2

[marcel]

I've purchased a second hand X-Can V2, unfortunately something seems to be broken as it only gives a really soft sound.

I've used different cables and audio sources (such as my computer and a portable CD player.) Only when I turn up the sound of the portable CD player to the maximum do I get some faint sound out of it. So it seems as if it is not amplifying at all.

The light on the X-Can is on, and the psu (stock Musical Fidelity) is giving 12V AC as it should.

Does anybody have an idea what could be the problem? The unit wasn't packed very well when it was mailed, just one layer of bubble wrap. Could this be transport damage?

[PinkFloyd]

Hi Marcel,

Shake it and see if there's anything rattling about inside.... it's doubtful but possible the valves have come loose in transit.... are the phono sockets and volume knob ok or do they look like they have taken a shunt?

If it's DOA then you should contact the seller and demand a refund, no point in accepting faulty goods.

[marcel]

Thanks for the help!

I got the X-Can fixed by a local audio repair shop, the problem was in the PSU sub-board. Some of the capacitors were broken (the ones marked with 1000 uF 35V). From the broken capacitors 3 out of 4 has a bit of a domed top, while the 4th has a perfectly flat top.

Now it works perfectly, and sounds great!

The left channel had a bit of a crackle, but it was gone after 5 min. Is this because the tubes need to heat up? I'll clean the tube pins one of these days.

[marcel]

Yeah, if I had known what the problem was I would have definitely got an upgrade kit directly and fixed it myself. But without knowning I didn't want to spend 50 pounds on an amplifier that might not be fixable

It's probably a matter of time before I order one, it seems like a very fun upgrade!

By the way: is the purple LED really purple, or more blue (as shown on both side of the picture on the order page)?

[PinkFloyd]

Bulging caps are VERY common in the X-Can amps, you wouldn't believe just how many I have seen and it's all down to them being subjected to heat. MF use 85C rated caps which is probably a form of built in obsolescence, IMO 105C rated caps are the way to go as they are designed to withstand higher ambient temperatures.

Whenever you see bulging caps on a PCB it's a sure sign that they are needing replaced. Glad you got the problem sorted out.

Mike.

[marcel]

A couple of weeks later and my X-Can has been upgraded with the Panasonic capacitors, new diodes, a nicer volume knob, a set of Pinkies valves and a new blue LED. I've only used it for a few hours, so far a deeper bass seems the biggest improvement.

The annoying crackle which sometimes occured in the left channel is also gone now. Strangely enough it was not the valves. Even after I've replaced them the crackle was present at times. After the capacitor and diode upgrade it's completely gone.