Hum Sound - Problem or Not ?

[dkronie]

I found the below ad on Gumtree, I am not related to the seller in anyway , just wanted to know the problem he/she describes below if it is normal or does it indicate a problem ?
I assume the hum is from the powersupply

The only problem is that there's a bit of a hum when it's on. If you're listening to music, it's covered up but if it's on and there's no music on then you hear the hum. Solution: turn it off when not in use.

http://capetown.gumtree.co.za/c-Stuff-for-Sale-tv-audio-music-Pioneer-KX-440-stereo-receiver-amplifier-tuner-W0QQAdIdZ228199824

[LAV]

If you can get it for a good price, it would be worth fixing. It could be PSU, e.g. old caps.

[dkronie]

Thx LAV ,was just interested to know if it is a problem or not , if I come across it in future I know what it could be

 from the description I could assume the hum is not an annoying hum ,so you can life with it or just fix it

[LAV]

I'd say go for it. 

[ludo]

... from the description I could assume the hum is not an annoying hum ,so you can life with it or just fix it

That is a really old amp. I like old amps but if the power supply caps have deteriorated all the other caps deteriorate too. It isn't something one should live with. There are some failures possible with deteriorating caps that could cost you much more in repairs than just re-capping right away.

Many of the transistor types in amps of that vintage are no longer available. Not sure about that particular Pioneer, but one sometimes needs Germanium (pre-Silicon) parts when things have blown out properly due to bad caps. With most of them one can always make a plan but it's a lot easier to keep the oldies going if you don't have to replace transistors. Fortunately, recapping is quite cheap if you DIY. If the amp is otherwise in good shape (and not expensive) they can be fun.

[LAV]

It isn't something one should live with. There are some failures possible with deteriorating caps that could cost you much more in repairs than just re-capping right away. Fortunately, recapping is quite cheap if you DIY. If the amp is otherwise in good shape (and not expensive) they can be fun.

Agreed. Buy this amp, IF you like DIY and restoration...

[Craig-S2]

I picked this baby up last night and I have to say, I'm more than happy with the purchase.  It has retro cool good looks and the "hum" when I plugged it in at lunch time was barely discernable, so either the previous owner had very good ears, mine are really bad, or the shifting around, etc has fixed it. Either way, I'm very happy!