HR-772 help

Hello forum, I need a bit of advice from some of you guys who can teardown and rebuild a unit blindfolded.

I've had my 772 since new ('91 ish) and after a recent move it stopped working. I dont get any sound output regardless of the input source. I can faintly hear music in both speakers with the volume cranked way up (tuner & CD input) but thats it. All the lights, knobs, display, etc. is working fine. Took it to a local repair guy who claimed he knew Carver stuff and could fix it. After testing, he said that the outputs were bad (aparently 2 sets on the 772 and he wasn't sure if one or both are bad) and he would order some. Its been nearly 2 months and he still hasn't gotten these outputs from his supplier. I'm thinking about re-claiming my unit and going elsewhere. What would you do? Given the little info I've supplied, does his diagnosis seem accurate?

Thanks in advance.

Sounds plausible.

How much is he charging you & where are you located? You have a few VERY REPUTABLE choices for repair, but they will most likely require shipping to/from the facility (there are two in Washington state).

I'm located in Upstate NY.

Local guy's original diagnosis was free, he etimated parts and labor for replacing a set of outputs would be about $100, closer to $150 to replace 2 sets. I've considdered sending to Rita but not sure if I want to make a $400 investment in this unit. Was hoping to fix this for cheap and put the extra coin toward a unit with more balls.

Makes sense. Good luck getting it fixed. Perhaps someone can suggest a good source for the parts.

I don't know about the diagnosis, though. If he'll fix it, whatever is wrong, based on that estimate, I'd say go for it. Did you try phono input, as it has a separate gain stage. The problem with this unit is that it uses high scale integrated circuits (lots of inputs and outputs — many pins). Pretty much everything goes in and out of these, and if one fails, everything goes out. my guess is that one of these that provides gain went, because you can still hear a little if you crank it.

Didn't think to try the phono before I dumped it off to the repair clown - that was dumb on my part.

Finally...FINALLY got this thing back yesterday. Partly my fault as the guy's store hours and my schedule didn't jive very well. He replaced one set of outputs for 100 clams plus tax. Anywho, the thing works again. I haven't really worked it out yet to see if there is any noticable sound degredation resulting from the parts he used, or if thats even possible to guage. I'll let you guys know.

Assuming its working properly, would anyone out there recommend using the 772 as a preamp and adding a more substantial 2 channel amp for more power? I'm running Klipsch KG 3.2s and a Velodyne R1500 powered sub that seem to laugh at the 150x2 as advertised on the 772. Thanks in advance.

Welcome aboard. I too had a 772 that had some output issue. All mine required was some resoldering and touch of of some cold solder joints. Took it to a local shop as well. (I'm in Liverpool, NY - whereabouts are you located). As far as using the 772 as a pre, I bought a TFM-55 last August and used my 772 to control everything. Worked great. I did just upgrade to a C-16 - as of today as a matter of fact - unit just arrived this AM and am listening to it now. The C-16 is leaps above the 772, but I had mine dialed in just right, and it worked very well.

I say go for it!!!

Neil

Thanks for the reply! I'm in Utica, right down the road. I was thinking about adding a TFM 45 or 55 as well. I'll definitely give you a shout if I pull the trigger becasue I'd use the 772 as a preamp for a while just as you did - like to see how you set it up.

Setup was easy. Just pulled the pre-out/main-in jumpers out and split the signal. One side went to the TFM-55 and the other went back to the main-in of the 772. (Had to feed power back to the unit, otherwise the headphone jack had no output. Then, I ran the speakers from the TFM. For a short while I had some additional speakers running off the "A" speakers of the 772, but ditched that after selling my bookshelf speakers to my buddy.

Not hard. Let me know if you need help.

Sounds pretty straight forward. Now I just need to score the TFM

So I hooked up the 772 and it sounds better than ever. I have the main pre outs connected to an Audio Control phase coupled activator that has a built-in crossover for my powered Velodyne sub. This config lets the Klipsh KG 3.2s really sing with amazing detail and clarity since the're not struggling to hit the low frequency notes. Love, love, love the horn loaded tweeters.