Amp/Preamp Asylum

Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here.

Return to Amp/Preamp Asylum

Message Sort: Post Order or Asylum Reverse Threaded

Amp Case Issue

40.131.128.123
Posted on June 27, 2017 at 17:28:04
Fal
Audiophile

Posts: 206
Joined: September 1, 2002



Weird question and I hope the Amp Asylum is the right place to ask. I was cleaning the contacts on my equipment and I noticed a weird smudge or mark on my Unsion Unico Int. Amp cover. I wiped it gently with a clean cloth but it did not really improve. I do not want to use anything to ruin the finish but would like to have it look good. I am including a pic to show what it looks like. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Hide full thread outline!
    ...
RE: Amp Case Issue, posted on June 27, 2017 at 17:53:30
The Dill
Audiophile

Posts: 2199
Location: Portland, Oregon
Joined: July 1, 2004
Contributor
  Since: February 3, 2016
 Try Pledge or a cleaner that doesn't contain ammonia.

 

RE: Amp Case Issue, posted on June 28, 2017 at 05:04:59
PAR
 I am unsure about using Pledge on audio equipment. I recall standard advice used to be not to use any cleaners containing silicone near audio systems. A thin film of the cleaner remains after wiping off the product and the silicone content apparently migrates slowly from the site of application and eventually coats electrical contacts. Whilst not causing a failure but resulting in a less than optimal connection, it's one cause of that "I am sure that it doesn't sound as good as it used to" feeling.

The OP should try to obtain proper anti-static foam cleanser made for cleaning the exterior of electrical products. In the UK that is Servisol Foam Cleaner 30 obtainable from Maplins (our equivilent of Radio Shack). I do not know what the US counterpart is but I am sure that there will be one.

 

RE: Amp Case Issue, posted on June 28, 2017 at 06:26:47
The Dill
Audiophile

Posts: 2199
Location: Portland, Oregon
Joined: July 1, 2004
Contributor
  Since: February 3, 2016
 While Pledge does contain a small amount of Dimethicone (a type of silicone), spraying a small amount on a soft cotton cloth for application would be safe. If you want to avoid it all together, use Pledge Multi-Surface cleaner instead. I have used Pledge products on audio gear for over 45 years.

 

RE: Amp Case Issue, posted on June 28, 2017 at 07:01:50
Douger
Audiophile

Posts: 745
Location: Nebraska
Joined: January 2, 2001
 I would try Simple Green, sparingly applied by cloth.

 

First try a slightly damp microfibre cloth before moving onto more exotic fluids (nt), posted on June 28, 2017 at 12:09:20
13th Duke of Wymbourne
Audiophile

Posts: 2800
Location: Orange Co., Ca
Joined: September 19, 2001
 nt

 

RE: Amp Case Issue, posted on June 29, 2017 at 09:46:20
R Browne
Audiophile

Posts: 1710
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: January 14, 2002
 I would try some of the suggestions already offered. Pledge used to make a product specifically formulated for electronics, but I don't know if it is still available. I don't see it in their current product listing.

If you don't get the desired results with the cleaners noted, I would be inclined to try pure carnauba wax used for cars. Apply a thin coat on the top of the cover, let it dry and buff with a microfiber cloth. Remove the cover before doing this as you don't want dried wax residue going through the vent holes to the interior of the amp. It may give more of a shine to the surface than before.

Others can weigh in as to whether there could be any detrimental effects of using this, but it in its pure form the carnauba wax does not contain other chemicals. The carnauba wax can be removed with a solution of regular liquid dishwashing detergent if need be.

 

RE: Amp Case Issue ??, posted on June 29, 2017 at 16:33:04
bare
Audiophile

Posts: 1879
Joined: April 14, 2009
 C'mon it's a cheap stamped tin box cover,
likely (clearly?) with poorly applied paint.
Yeahh it can be annoying.
But It's the sound that actually matters.
Not the condition of the tin lids' paintwork.
IF it really annoys? a Rattle can respray is simple enough to DIY...
well !

 

RE: Amp Case Issue ??, posted on June 29, 2017 at 19:07:45
painter27
Audiophile

Posts: 5057
Location: wi.
Joined: January 7, 2003
 Dig-Dig-Dig-Dig, We have a winner.

When all else fails get out the rattle can.

 

As a last resort..., posted on June 29, 2017 at 23:41:07
R Browne
Audiophile

Posts: 1710
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: January 14, 2002
 ...you can go in that direction if all else fails. In the OP's case easier solutions may work.

I had a situation a few years ago when I had a pre-amp I was not using stored in a closet that got some gouging scratches on top of the cover that went down to the bare metal. With some Bondo and sandpaper I was able to get rid of the scratches. I was very lucky to have on hand a can of spray paint that exactly matched the original finish. A few careful coats of paint later you could not tell that it was repainted.

 

Simple Green, ain't..., posted on June 30, 2017 at 13:22:35
mr.bear
Audiophile

Posts: 4167
Joined: November 13, 2001
 ...it's a strong cleanser. Its MSDS lists 7 or 8 ingredients including ethoxylated alcohol as a surfactant, which I got interested in. It's a chemical used in oilfield fracking; the manufacturer claims its harmless and biodegradable. Who knows?

If you buy S.G. in the spray-bottles from Lowes, you might want to dilute it for use around the house, otherwise it seems to leave a residue. S.G. is more like a heavy-duty degreaser in its full strength form-- I use it to clean bike chains diluted 50%. Just one Bear's opinion.

 

The components inside are not delicate flowers, posted on June 30, 2017 at 13:35:29
mr.bear
Audiophile

Posts: 4167
Joined: November 13, 2001
 Better gear often uses components that satisfy US "Mil Specs" or components of an equivalent quality level . MIL_STD-883 is the basic basic the outline of which is nicely summarized in the link below. The tests include such horrors as "Baking" "Neutron radiation" Moisture resistance" "Salt atmosphere" etc - you see where I'm going with this.

I don't think the airborne vapor of a little Johnson's "Pledge Multi Surface" non aqueous cleaner spray will damage anything, it's just a few % ethyl alcohol with a trace of a mild surfactant (something used in cosmetics) with a little fragrance. It dries instantly and I use it in all my gear being reasonably careful not to spray any vent opening directly- spritz it on a microfiber rag and wipe is all. It does a nice job and leaves ZERO reside- you can clean your flatscreens with it and see for yourself.

 

RE: Amp Case Issue, posted on July 2, 2017 at 10:07:02
akolegov
Audiophile

Posts: 979
Location: Russia
Joined: July 1, 2010
 Where is the smudge? I see a clean rear panel and a rack below...

 

RE: Amp Case Issue, posted on July 2, 2017 at 13:23:22
Fal
Audiophile

Posts: 206
Joined: September 1, 2002
 Back left=hand corner on the top of the case. It is kind of lighter than the rest of the case.

 

RE: Amp Case Issue, posted on July 6, 2017 at 15:23:23
gordguide
Audiophile

Posts: 302
Joined: January 20, 2002
 Pledge is mostly wax.

 

RE: Amp Case Issue, posted on July 6, 2017 at 15:33:34
The Dill
Audiophile

Posts: 2199
Location: Portland, Oregon
Joined: July 1, 2004
Contributor
  Since: February 3, 2016
 Lemon Pledge ingredients.

 

RE: Amp Case Issue, posted on July 6, 2017 at 16:49:42
PAR
 There are several varities of Pledge. Wax ( the substance bees make) is not an ingredient found in any of them.

 

Page processed in 0.032 seconds.

[ Top Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]