Dansette Prince Sound Problem

[skamanuk]

My Dansette Prince has developed an audio problem, It plays for a while with reasonable sound level then without warning the sound drops to almost nothing, A couple of quick turns from min to max on the volume knob sees the sound come back and it plays for a while and then does it again. I have already changed the cartridge and sprayed the pots with switch cleaner all to no avail. Any ideas anyone?

[dinker11]

If the volume control movement brings the sound back, there could be a poor connection inside the pot or to its associated tags.

[Stylo N M]

Or it could be a leaky capacitor

Paul.

[Al (astral highway)]

I'd stop using it for now. If the power supply is sagging (sounds very much like it), it suggests an overload somewhere. That could destroy your power supply in short order. It sounds like it needs a bit of diagnostics and troubleshooting! These are usually easily fixed little sets.

You want to replace C10 on sight and probably C11, C12, C13, C14 and C15 for good measure.

[Nickthedentist]

The Prince name was used for two models; one has 3 control knobs, the other 4.

I had the former once; it's a Rank/Bush/Murphy product and is solid state. Which do you have?

I have had similar symptoms in other gear when there's been a bad contact somewhere, e.g. push-on tags to the speaker, headphone socket, internal plug/socket connection or a dry joint on a PCB.

[Edward Huggins]

Well spotted! Again a case of the OP not able to fully identify the model and/or us not seeking more info earlier. The 4 control knob version was valve (UCL82/UY85) and one of the last the original company made. Oh yes, and the OP has still to reply....

[Nickthedentist]

Here's a link to a pic of the later, solid state model, also known as model DRP30.

A good performer with a big Goodmans LS (same as used in the Hacker VHF Herald etc) and a Garrard 2025 turntable.

http://www.grammofoon.com/Dansette/i...ettePrince.jpg

[Nickthedentist]

...and what I presume is the earlier, U-series valve model also with a 2025 deck: https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...8&d=1322644182

[Edward Huggins]

Close, but the deck in Post #8 is actually a Garrard 1000. I guess we can assume that the Dansette DRP30 used a very similar (4 to 5) transisitor amp to that in the parallel running Ferguson variant.

[Nickthedentist]

Originally Posted by Edward Huggins

Close, but the deck in Post #8 is actually a Garrard 1000.

So it is, with its smaller platter. Well spotted to you too, Edward

[Nickthedentist]

Originally Posted by Edward Huggins

guess we can assume that the Dansette DRP30 used a very similar (4 to 5) transisitor amp to that in the parallel running Ferguson variant.

...or do you mean Bush?

[Edward Huggins]

Even more well spotted. I certainly do mean Bush. Or even Murphy!