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Hi, everyone:I have some of the later Fourier Components Panthere monoblocks and a problem has recently started. The problem is intermittent but occasionally one of the amps shuts down after the 12 amp circuit breaker clicks open. I have to wait a minute or so until the breaker resets and then push in the little button, after which I can restart the amp. Sometimes the amps run for a good while before shutting down, while on other occasions it happens every 10-20 minutes. It seems to be worse in the middle of the day when there is more electricity usage in the house and only when both amps are running. I do have each amp on its own separate electrical circuit. The problem doesn't seem to hurt anything but is annoying, especially if the problem worsens. Any ideas as to what could be causing this? Could it be the circuit breaker itself or perhaps indicative of a problem in the amp? Thank you.
Follow Ups:
It appears as if the problem may be caused either by a bad 6SN7 tube which controls the output stage bias current or by a loose doodad on the front circuit board, whatever the heck it was. I tightened the doodad and changed both 6SN7 tubes and the amp didn't shut down after 40 minutes, so maybe I found it. It only makes sense that an output stage overcurrent would cause the circuit breaker to open, although test measurements showed normal output stage bias current before and after I changed tubes. I also noticed that the channels seem more balanced now and the faulty amp channel doesn't seem so prominent or forward. Hopefully this is the cause.
rlawry, hi. It may be as simple as a faulty circuit breaker ( the good news ) or it may signal deeper problems ( the bad news ). You need consultation with someone intimately involved with this amplifier. I don't know if Atma-Sphere takes these things in anymore. There were problems with exploding capacitors. Can't hurt to ask. You might contact Mr Atwood at OneElectron and ask his advice. He was involved in design at some point. I don't think I would risk trying to run it as it is. Hope you sort it all out.
Speaking of exploding capacitors, I had one of the Binda high voltage electrolytic caps 'burp' onto the circuit board in my Triode (stereo version of the Panthere), and others were bulging slightly. I got very lucky and found some replacement caps that would fit, because at the time Fourier was closing their doors and wouldn't send any.Rlawry may be trying to contact Tom Gambill, the designer.
Sorry to hear about this. I don't have any insights on your problem except a potentially useful modification would be to add a soft start, although this wouldn't solve the issue of shutdown after a period of time. On the positive side at least be glad the amps aren't failing, and hopefully won't.For what it's worth, I may have located the original designer of the Fourier products who may, probably for a fee, be willing to provide you with some information. Contact me offline if you need this. Meanwhile, Ralph Karsten of Atma-Sphere is available to work on Fourier amps.
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