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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Problem with Rachael
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Message started by Alan Arkin on 01/21/25 at 21:09:52

Title: Problem with Rachael
Post by Alan Arkin on 01/21/25 at 21:09:52

Hi there...

I am trying to diagnose an issue with my system. I was playing music on my turntable this morning and later in the day put on another record. There was no sound. When I looked at my Rachael, the bias meters were both at 0. I have swapped out each and every tube on my Rachael and on the Aric (with the exception of the OD3 regulators). Both the Aric and Rachael turn on and the tubes are glowing. I also took the Aric out of the chain and the bias meters are still at 0.

Any ideas what the issue could be? Hoping it is something easy but feeling like it could be heading for servicing. Thanks.

-- Alan

Title: Re: Problem with Rachael
Post by HockessinKid on 01/21/25 at 21:32:18

Check all your power cord IEC and interconnect connections, then all your equipment fuses as a first step.

HK

Title: Re: Problem with Rachael
Post by Lon on 01/21/25 at 21:38:52

If your Rachel has a three fuse panel underneath the chassis I suspect that the two low value fuses are likely non-functioning--your symptoms are what I have encountered when that happens.

Title: Re: Problem with Rachael
Post by CAJames on 01/21/25 at 21:44:35

Agree with Lon. If the tubes light up but the bias meters are a zero the problem is most likely the fuses for the rectifier.

Title: Re: Problem with Rachael
Post by Alan Arkin on 01/21/25 at 21:46:07

Thanks. Lon - If that is the case, are those replaceable by me?

Title: Re: Problem with Rachael
Post by Lon on 01/21/25 at 22:03:31

Yes, generally the top fuse is the 5 amp for the rectifier full power, and the two other fuses are probably 250 ma (should hopefully be marked) and they are just in standard fuse holders and pop out. Usually, but not always, you can see they failed.

Title: Re: Problem with Rachael
Post by Alan Arkin on 01/21/25 at 22:04:07

Not sure if I was understanding correctly but there is no fuse panel on the bottom of the Rachel.

Title: Re: Problem with Rachael
Post by Lon on 01/21/25 at 22:30:19

I have not had a Rachel or the earlier model since before Steve started putting those fuse panels underneath the chassis. . . (not on the bottom of the unit but if you unscrew the chassis from the base on the underside of the chassis where all the "wiring" is)--so I was unsure if there was one--if there is one, I think that may be a reason for the lack of sound.

If you have a spare main fuse in the holder in the IEC inlet try that. Fuses can exhibit weird behavior. As can rectifiers--if you have a spare one swap it in and see what happens.

Title: Re: Problem with Rachael
Post by Alan Arkin on 01/22/25 at 11:50:26

Thanks for the insights! Hopefully I can get this solved pretty quickly. If it was the fuses for the rectifier, does that mean that the tube I had in is bad? If I put that one back in, would it likely blow the fuse again?

Title: Re: Problem with Rachael
Post by Lon on 01/22/25 at 13:02:16

it probably, possibly would. It would be best to have another rectifier on hand to use, and extra fuses if you want to try the original rectifier again.

Title: Re: Problem with Rachael
Post by Alan Arkin on 01/22/25 at 13:20:23

Good thing I have another on hand and another (a NOS RCA) on the way!

I was using a Sophia Electric Aqua II 274b -- glad I got the 1 year warranty. I guess I will send it back to them too.