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Shorted Transistors And Blown Fuses Found In AKAI Tuner Amplifier

By Jestine Yong on June 19, 2020

Shorted Transistors And Blown Fuses Found In AKAI Tuner Receiver

Model and make: Akai Stereo Receiver Model AA-1020

Complaint reported: Set dead.

Observation done: After opening and cleaning the inside thoroughly, when the board was checked, two fuses were found blown. Capacitors looked very old and dried out. Two transistors were found to be short. ESR readings of many capacitors were out of range.

Rectification done: After replacing the transistors, fuses and electrolytic capacitors in the power supply section, the set worked on trial switch on. So, continued to replace all the other electrolytic capacitors on the board. Did a total retouch of all the solder points on the main board and other boards. Cleaned the solder side and component side of the PCBs to the extent possible. Set worked very well when tested for many hours.

Another mission accomplished and the intense satisfaction got added to its collection bag.

Here are a few pictures:

Set in working condition

The culprits photographed before disposal!

This article was prepared for you by Parasuraman Subramanian from India. He is 70 years old and has more than 30 years’ experience in handling antique equipment like Valve Radio, Amps, Reel Tape Recorders and currently studying latest tech-classes conducted by Kerala State Electronics Technicians’ Association. He has done graduation in BBA degree, private diploma in Radio Engineering and retired as MD of a USA company. Presently working as Consultant to Hospital and other institutions.

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You may check on his previous repair article below:

https://jestineyong.com/toroidal-transformer-failed-in-cambridge-dvd-player/

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16 Comments

Albert van Bemmelen

June 19, 2020 at 10:52 pm

These AKAI amplifiers are good to go another 30 years or so. Certainly after replacing all e-caps, the fuses and the 2 culprit transistors.
I own an Akai Amplifier too for maybe 30 years now but never had to replace any of the capacitors yet. Got my fingers crossed not having to have replace all of them like you've done! It would be a nice test to measure the audio quality change of such an amplifier before and after replacing all e-caps?

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- Parasuraman S
  
  June 20, 2020 at 9:06 am
  
  Yes, audio quality is superb! Many thanks for your evaluating comments!
  
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- Humberto
  
  June 20, 2020 at 2:08 pm
  
  I´ve always liked AKAI, a good japanesse brand.
  
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  - Parasuraman S
    
    June 20, 2020 at 10:37 pm
    
    Yes, very true!
    
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    - Dan Lee
      
      March 27, 2021 at 10:08 am
      
      yes they are only my akai_aa-r31 now only plays FM,some how I lost the AM mode? Cleaned AM switch contact but no luck. Any ideas?
      
      Thanks!
      Dan
      
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Lynn Blakely

June 20, 2020 at 12:10 am

Good job as always, made a new unit out of that receiver. I don't know when several of the Japanese companies stopped using germanium transistors,but it left a bad taste in some of he veterans who bought products without silicone transistors. Akai was one of the culprits.

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- Parasuraman S
  
  June 20, 2020 at 9:07 am
  
  Many thanks for your useful comments!
  
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Paul Koby

June 20, 2020 at 1:16 am

That repair looked to be between 4 and 6 hours of work and I was wondering how

much you charged for such a repair?

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- Parasuraman S
  
  June 20, 2020 at 9:11 am
  
  I always take care of the cost of repair approximately. As a hobbyist, being keen on getting 'patients' to practice operation, I enjoy challenges! Money is not everything! Anyhow this customer is my regular and does not bargain in payments! Many thanks for your concern!
  
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Derek Nathainel

June 20, 2020 at 2:20 am

I am Derek Nathaniel In Quetta Pakistan and I had the Authorized Service Centre for AKAI Equipment I have seen this set before as many were being used at our place and many came in for repairs Trust me AKAI is one of the best and the most reliable equipment I have seen, if anyone needs and information service data diagrams of any GX, GXC models it will be a pleasure for me to provide, anyone in the field of electronics and can contact me.

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- Parasuraman S
  
  June 20, 2020 at 10:35 pm
  
  That is very nice of you! Many thanks!
  
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Waleed Rishmawi

June 20, 2020 at 2:50 am

Man that is slot of work yet effective one causing the set to come alive. I could only imagine the fun time spent on the repair. Keep up the good work and have a blessed day my friend.

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- Parasuraman S
  
  June 20, 2020 at 9:12 am
  
  Yes, it's always an amusement to do such jobs, and I enjoyed! Many thanks for your concern!
  
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Humberto

June 20, 2020 at 2:10 pm

Good repair executed by you, as usual

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- Parasuraman S
  
  June 20, 2020 at 10:36 pm
  
  Many thanks for your support!
  
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martin

November 18, 2020 at 3:33 am

Can you tell me where the fuses are located ?

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