TFM-55X questions about issue

I recently aquired a TFM-55X in pretty rough shape on the exterior but nothing too bad.

AMP powers on (no lights) and the left channel sounds very good but the right is weak and distorted sounding.

I do not see any burns on the PCB but the right cap looks to have a slight bulge.

Does the X in 55X mean THX?

Could the Right cap having a slight bulge be the problem with right channel?

I have $168 in the AMP is it worth sending to Rolland for service?

I really do not have a need for this amp except as a backup for my nice TFM-45 or as a AMP for my center.

Anyway, thanks for any feedback.

Tracy

If all you've got into the amp is $168, you've got a steal. I'd re-cap it or send it to Bob & Rita's or Rolland's for a tune up. The 55x is a slightly modified version of the TFM-55 to meet THX standards

I'd say yes, it is worth sending in for a refurb (that will probably run you more then the $179 flat fee (Rita/Bob's place) because they charge $75 for "non-active" parts and of course you pay both ways shipping. Would have been super if you would have just had the seller ship it right to them and thus saved one shipping charge! That was my plan had I bid on this amp!). Say it runs you $300. That's ~$500 for a "like new" TFM-55x that you could easily sell for that much on ePrey. Plus you could have a nice counterpart/spare for your TFM-45 if/when it needs service, if you keep it.

You could of course try replacing the "bulged" cap yourself and that MIGHT be 100% of what is wrong with the amp, but I'd say the odds of that being the case are slim...

I'd say yes, it is worth sending in for a refurb (that will probably run you more then the $179 flat fee (Rita/Bob's place) because they charge $75 for "non-active" parts and of course you pay both ways shipping. Would have been super if you would have just had the seller ship it right to them and thus saved one shipping charge! That was my plan had I bid on this amp!). Say it runs you $300. That's ~$500 for a "like new" TFM-55x that you could easily sell for that much on ePrey. Plus you could have a nice counterpart/spare for your TFM-45 if/when it needs service, if you keep it.

You could of course try replacing the "bulged" cap yourself and that MIGHT be 100% of what is wrong with the amp, but I'd say the odds of that being the case are slim...

I have a TFM -35 and one of the caps have a slight bulg , but the amp runs flawlessly......

Been awhile but I finally decided to send the 55x to Rolland and he just called to say it was finished. Quick turn around because he received it Friday.

I look forward to getting it back and giving the 45 a break while it goes to Rolland.

Anyway, thank for the tips and feedback and glad Rolland was able to return another great amp to service.

Great! I bet you are stoked! let us all know how much "improvement" in sound you notice re your "pre-Rolland" 45!

Been awhile but I finally decided to send the 55x to Rolland and he just called to say it was finished. Quick turn around because he received it Friday.

I look forward to getting it back and giving the 45 a break while it goes to Rolland.

Anyway, thank for the tips and feedback and glad Rolland was able to return another great amp to service.

Good move!!! You will have 2 great amplifiers when it's all said and done.

ray