My Mighty Monoprice is Dead - Any ideas?

[DotStudio]

Got plenty of playing done considering the $170 I spent, but she's dead. Current state of the amp...

A fuse popped. Bought some replacements, but it keeps popping. This guy...

I should note that I know absolutely nothing about amps other than how to get mediocre music to come out of the round bit with the big magnet on the back. I did swap out the power tubes, but it made no difference.

Any ideas?

 

[Robus]

Careful poking around if you don't know what you are doing. Tube amps can bite.

 

[DotStudio]

Careful poking around if you don't know what you are doing. Tube amps can bite.

Yeah, I've learned that reading through these threads. That's why as soon as the very obvious things were checked and failed, I posted this up. Not going elbow deep into the amp.

I also doubt taking such a cheap amp to a tech would be cost effective. I figured I'll see if anyone had any simple ideas, otherwise I'll just scrap it.

 

[mdubya]

I would say it is not dead if it is able to blow fuses.

Get a wooden skewer or chopstick and look for a wire that may have rubbed through its insulation.

At $170, it might be worth just ordering another. They should pay YOU to play the damn thing. I don't think many others are making them sound quite as good as you make them sound.

 

[monty john]

Sounds like a bad resistor somewhere....look for a charred resistor a SGR or otherwise....the SGR's will be near the tube sockets...

 

[Fracture]

I smell sponsorship deal......

and a 67 date tour

 

[DotStudio]

"Unknown basement guitarist nabs Chinese amp sponsorship in landmark, first of its kind deal."

No charring that I can see.

 

[DotStudio]

My pics are always so clear before I post them.

 

[DotStudio]

Higher resolution here...

Amp guts. https://imgur.com/gallery/x4YgiOw

 

[mdubya]

I'd try the preamp tube, too. It could be on its way out and surging or arcing and taking the fuse out.

 

[Cjsinla]

Higher resolution here...

Amp guts. https://imgur.com/gallery/x4YgiOw

What about that dark spot by the V2 pin 1 resistor? Is that a shadow or a burn mark?

 

[judson]

perfect time to learn more about amps than what you really wanted to know.....

i tell myself this then i go ahead and try to figure it out, spending way too much time because i know i can fix something i know nothing about if i just mess with it for awhile...im stupid that way..

im subscribing to this for when my mono goes, i think we all grabbed them about the same time when someone posted they were on sale..

i changed out all the tubes when mine keep fading out after heating up some...about a month ago i posted here

 

[Frogfur]

What's running through the legs of F2, a strand of hot-glue?

View attachment 330721

Put there by aliens to transmit the lessor qualities Of The human race ??

 

[DotStudio]

I'd try the preamp tube, too. It could be on its way out and surging or arcing and taking the fuse out.

I'll have to give that a shot, gracias

What about that dark spot by the V2 pin 1 resistor? Is that a shadow or a burn mark?

Just a shadow.

What's happening here? Crack?

View attachment 330706


EDIT... maybe that's just a reflection... I don't see it in other pics.

View attachment 330720

Yup, just a reflection.

What's running through the legs of F2, a strand of hot-glue?

View attachment 330721

And yup again. Just some glue.

Thanks for looking it over guys

 

[judson]

you could wrap tin foil around the fuse then see whats burns up first....

i gave up on trying to find out why the dam little red power light in mine kept flickering on and off...still does it but all new tubes got it back working...

keep us posted

 

[Cjsinla]

you could wrap tin foil around the fuse then see whats burns up first....

i gave up on trying to find out why the dam little red power light in mine kept flickering on and off...still does it but all new tubes got it back working...

keep us posted

I know that you’re joking about the foil, I hope OP does.

 

[ehb]

Power lamp flicker is due to the POS socket... Not tight on the lamp. Mine does it too....


As far as the amp, I would take it to someone just to have it checked. A new one is 170 or so.... If it is something simple and the tech doesn't hit your wallet hard, may be cheaper to fix... Ask up front if there is a fee and what that is to just look at it...

As far as you digging in it, there be stuff in there all 'lectric like that will knock you into another zip code....

 

[Zipslack]

Have you tried pulling all the tubes and firing it up to see if the fuse blows? That could incriminate/eliminate them as the culprit.

 

[DotStudio]

Have you tried pulling all the tubes and firing it up to see if the fuse blows? That could incriminate/eliminate them as the culprit.

I'll give that a shot on Monday, I blew my spare fuses this morning messing around

 

[judson]

I know that you’re joking about the foil, I hope OP does.

of course.....since i can not even figure out that little light thingy, i assumed Dot had a bit more knowledge than i and would refrain from the foil....

but i bet he would go full lighting bolt with a copper penny shoved in there....


sorry i cant help myself..

a PSA to remind us all..seriously