AD-500 Problems

[stober]

Okay just as soon as thought I got a good deal on ebay for a Apogee AD-500 on ebay for $169.00 bucks I think I got screwed.I recieved it today and it powered up fine.It locked on 44.1 with the quickness so the crystal seemed to work fine.But when I selected the left on position on the analog dial I wasent recieving any levels to my D-8. So I switched to the soft limit setting and my levels appeared on my D-8.I switched to the right on setting (emphasis on) and had levels again.So I switched back to the left on setting(emphasis off) and no levels. I noticed the knobs on this thing were really loose compared to my ad-1000.So thinking there might be a short or something I played with the analog input knob and noticed if I pushed it in a little I was getting levels in the left on position.But only if I pushed in the knob.As soon as I stoped pushing it the levels went away.So this thing has a short probually were the gain knobs connect internally or something.I know Apogee wont replace the crystals anymore but do they refuse to service compleatly?This thing is more than likely going back to the seller(hopefully) unless someone here thinks someone like pro digital can fix it for a reasonable price.The crystal works,that was main concern at first.  Anyone?

[pickmando]

I have no idea if Apogee will repair them, but everything that I have heard says that Pro Digital would be willing and able to fix this sort of problem. I would at least give them a call to get some input - their rates are reasonable and you got a nice deal on the auction.  You may be able to get the seller to pay for part of the repair cost?

[Kindguy]

I'd ask todd r first. This should be an easy fix.

[pickmando]

It does sound like it may be an easy repair, good idea.  It sure would be nice to have a cheap, easy fix since you got it at a reasonable price.

[Kindguy]

Or if you feel lucky & have an allen wrench. Pull the face plate off & see if you can tell.

[stober]

I'd ask todd r first. This should be an easy fix.

I think it should be...

[stober]

Or if you feel lucky & have an allen wrench. Pull the face plate off & see if you can tell.

Right now I dont feel that lucky.Although looking at it an hour ago I did think about doing that.

[Kyle]

Or if you feel lucky & have an allen wrench. Pull the face plate off & see if you can tell.

Right now I dont feel that lucky.Although looking at it an hour ago I did think about doing that.

do it. no worries.

I was scared at first but then my friend popped the AD1000 faceplate off - calmed me right down

[marc0789]

I have no idea if Apogee will repair them, but everything that I have heard says that Pro Digital would be willing and able to fix this sort of problem. I would at least give them a call to get some input - their rates are reasonable and you got a nice deal on the auction.  You may be able to get the seller to pay for part of the repair cost?

apogee won't touch them. paul at prodig might, if it's a simple input issue, but not anything having to do with the crystal, digi board.

edit: but really...send the fucker back and get a mod-sbm1. you spent 169, paul will charge you 200, and the thing will die sooner than later anyway. good money after bad to keep messing with it.

[MBHOTAPER]

I heard Apogee won't repair anything after the warrenty period is over unless spair parts are in storage - basically you have a ticking time bomb Apogee won't touch anymore. If it's not an easy repair I would consider getting rid of it.

[Chuck]

What you describe sounds like a broken contact point. Sometimes on knobs, RCA and other inputs the point where the component connects to the board gets loose or actually breaks away from the circuit board. Sometimes the solder cracks and makes the connection imtermitent. Anyway... That may be an easy fix,but, if you are not comfortable with a soldering iron I wouldn't mess with it. The circuit boards for the AD500/1000 are super packed with components and are not a good place to start learning how to solder. Hopefully the seller will take it back. If not, try to get someone here to look at it for you. If I knew it was going to sell that cheap, I would have bid on it. It's a great sounding unit.

[todd e]

fingers crossed that paul will do anything with it. 
i have an ad500 that has had a power short (and I have changed the interal fuse) which i'd love to have paul fix up for me. 
sorry to hear of your troubles, and please keep us informed.

thanks brent.

[stober]

fingers crossed that paul will do anything with it. 
i have an ad500 that has had a power short (and I have changed the interal fuse) which i'd love to have paul fix up for me. 
sorry to hear of your troubles, and please keep us informed.

thanks brent.

Talked to Pro Digital today and they said it sounded like a somewhat easy fix.Probually in the ball park of $80.00 to $160.00 to have it fixed.The guy I bought this from on ebay said I could send it back to him and he would refund me my money or if the repairs were $120.00 or less he would refund me that amount. Wow I won the auction for $169.00 shipped and he's willing to refund me $120.00 for the repairs? What a guy in my book. It's weird though he was amazed that I found someone to hopefully fix it.After emailing me that it was strange that it was giving me problems.He said if I sent it back to him for a refund He would like Pro Digitals number so HE can get it fixed because he prefers it over his Rosetta.

[stober]

I have no idea if Apogee will repair them, but everything that I have heard says that Pro Digital would be willing and able to fix this sort of problem. I would at least give them a call to get some input - their rates are reasonable and you got a nice deal on the auction.  You may be able to get the seller to pay for part of the repair cost?

apogee won't touch them. paul at prodig might, if it's a simple input issue, but not anything having to do with the crystal, digi board.

edit: but really...send the fucker back and get a mod-sbm1. you spent 169, paul will charge you 200, and the thing will die sooner than later anyway. good money after bad to keep messing with it.

I  own a (mod) sbm-1 .And a Ad-1000.I love Apogee's A/D conversion.This was going to be used in rotation with the Ad-1000  so I could have a back up if one of them died.I'm gonna be a very unhappy man when the day comes and my AD-1000 dies.

[cmoorevt]

Sounds like he probably knew there were some issues, but had no idea where to send it for repairs, so he sold it cheap.  You found that info and are in a position to benefit especially if he is willing to pay a portion of the repair cost.  If Paul can fix it, and you get reimbursed from the seller, at least for a portion, I say you come out on top.