Replacement AC Adapter on a QR-6500?

[nojmplease]

I just scored (for free! at the curb...) my first Sansui, the QR-6500. I know it's an early quad model, but apparently it's from the series that had an AC adapter assembly that requires a cable interconnect. The unit, unfortunately, didn't come with the AC cable.

What can I do for a replacement? I went to radio shack and picked up a standard replacement AC adapter, but it doesn't fit. Should I try another size adapter? Or is there some other sort of workaround?

The unit is in decent shape cosmetically, and I'm dying to test it's actual performance.

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/1617/dianaheadshot001customwp5.jpg

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/6474/dianaheadshot002customjr7.jpg

[bobforapples]

Welcome to Audiokarma.

I have a QRX-6500 that I love, looks like you found a great deal. You can't beat the price!!!
As for the wire, it's pretty basic. You can keep trying different cables until you find one that fits (which may be tricky).

If you are solder iron-capable you can make any cord work......

Just an idea, remove those two screws next to the input connector, pull out the connector (if there's enough slack in the wires) and wire yourself up a new plug.

If it seems like something you may not be able to do, don't risk the shock or worse. Any electronics repair shop can do this quickly and cheaply.

[nojmplease]

Thanks for the quick reply! I will head back to Radio Shack and see what other sizes they have in stock. Looking forward to starting this unit up, and I'll let you guys know what happens...

[nojmplease]

Another quick q: what is the (gasp) easiest way to access the backside of the volume/EQ/input knobs and pots? I'm guessing I'll start with the faceplate, but if there any shortcuts or things to keep in mind, that'll help.

-thanks,
nojmplease

[Stene]

I just scored (for free! at the curb...) my first Sansui, the QR-6500. I know it's an early quad model, but apparently it's from the series that had an AC adapter assembly that requires a cable interconnect. The unit, unfortunately, didn't come with the AC cable.

What can I do for a replacement? I went to radio shack and picked up a standard replacement AC adapter, but it doesn't fit. Should I try another size adapter? 4
Maybe one of these will fit http://www.studiosoundelectronics.com/pwrcords.htm#pwrcords

[bobforapples]

Another quick q: what is the (gasp) easiest way to access the backside of the volume/EQ/input knobs and pots? I'm guessing I'll start with the faceplate, but if there any shortcuts or things to keep in mind, that'll help.

Remove the faceplate, and I THINK you can get to the sliders and knobs....
I cleaned mine a few weeks ago and already forgot how to do it!!

[nojmplease]

An update:

Went back to radio shack today, none of the ac adapters seem to be the right size (about 7mm width between the metal prong holes)...Argh, I'm still searching for some workaround...

Thanks for the help!

[LBPete]

The Eight uses the same power cord. Try contacting member SoCal Sam. I think he found a replacement. Also, any good electronics supply house (not Radio Shack) will have an assortment of these kinds of cords. It shouldn't be hard to match one up.

- Pete

[nosirrah]

I find them at the thrifts all the time, go to the section where all the power cords and dc power supplies are, usually a couple there at any of the bigger Goodwills/Salvation Army stores around here.
Casey

[nojmplease]

Update:

After trying out about 4 different AC cords, I found one that at least BARELY fits the prongs, enough to power the receiver when I hold it in there...

At least it powers on! A few lights on the FM dial are out, and I'm having trouble with the front channels. That 2/4 channel indicator is a real treat, like something out of a NASA project (or an early James Bond flick). Since this is a true 4-channel amp, I switched the speakers to the back channels and they sound lovely! So onto that troubleshooting later...

But still on this power cord end, I'm looking for some kind of replacement. Thanks for the heads up on the Sansui Eight reference, LBPete, maybe that will help me on my search for this elusive cable.

[nojmplease]

I'm still having trouble tracking down an adequate substitute cord, so does anyone have any pointers or ideas on how to "build" a cord that will power this receiver?

[nosirrah]

I'm still having trouble tracking down an adequate substitute cord, so does anyone have any pointers or ideas on how to "build" a cord that will power this receiver?

Where are you?
Casey

[nojmplease]

South Florida - East Coast.

[nosirrah]

South Florida - East Coast.

Figures...I am near Seattle.....
Casey

[nojmplease]

Just wanted to update you guys:

I finally found an AC plug that FITS my Sansui. Picked up at Goodwill, as part of a turkey slicer from the 70s....$4 ain't bad!

Thanks again for your guys' help! The unit sounds GREAT in both front and rear channels, and with some deoxit, it's scratch-free! The wood case has a few dings, but I polished it up, and it's looks preeeetttty. Here's a quick shot (a few of the FM lights are out - any ideas on fixing these?)

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/9053/amp005ml4.jpg

[LBPete]

(a few of the FM lights are out - any ideas on fixing these?)

Changing the burned out bulbs will usually do the trick. Congrats on your find. She sure looks sweet.

- Pete

[nosirrah]

I do believe those will be 6.2v 250ma fuse lamps, the more commonly available 8v will be too dim.
If member Dwojo cannot help then try Vetco in Bellevue WA. They have 7v lamps that will be just fine...
Does the tuner string slip especially at the higher end {108} ?
That is a common issue with that receiver...Stene has a service bulletiin that bends a pulley bracket out to add tension to the string...but it didn't help one of my qr 6500's.
Casey

[nojmplease]

Thanks nosirrah, I'll look into those bulbs. The trick is getting access to that compartment behind the FM faceplate (some of the buttons seem to be stuck on).

As for the tuner, it does have the slippage problem. It seems that the big tuning dial doesn't have a good grip on the tuner string. Is there something I can put on the metal (or the string) to increase the tension?

Otherwise, the unit sounds great, both in 2 and 4-channel. I had to restore the wood case a little bit to conceal a few scratches, and now it looks sweet too.

[nosirrah]

Thanks nosirrah, I'll look into those bulbs. The trick is getting access to that compartment behind the FM faceplate (some of the buttons seem to be stuck on).

As for the tuner, it does have the slippage problem. It seems that the big tuning dial doesn't have a good grip on the tuner string. Is there something I can put on the metal (or the string) to increase the tension?

Otherwise, the unit sounds great, both in 2 and 4-channel. I had to restore the wood case a little bit to conceal a few scratches, and now it looks sweet too.

Try beeswax, I know it sounds goofy but you gotta trust me on this one, it's counterintuitive to do it but just give it a try.
Use only beeswax, not parrafin.
Casey

[nojmplease]

...Interesting suggestion. How exactly should I apply the beeswax? Directly to the string around the tuning dial? Or onto the metal dial itself? I also see all these spring-loaded loops around the plastic tuning wheels, can/should these be adjusted? It seems like all it should take is a very minor adjustment, and I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing...

Also, I finally tested the 4-channel today (with a 2-channel source), and phew, there is some real power in this understated 37 wpc amp. The faux-surround actually sounds quite nice; I'm pleasantly surprised.

[nosirrah]

...Interesting suggestion. How exactly should I apply the beeswax? Directly to the string around the tuning dial? Or onto the metal dial itself? I also see all these spring-loaded loops around the plastic tuning wheels, can/should these be adjusted? It seems like all it should take is a very minor adjustment, and I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing...

Also, I finally tested the 4-channel today (with a 2-channel source), and phew, there is some real power in this understated 37 wpc amp. The faux-surround actually sounds quite nice; I'm pleasantly surprised.

Yep, along the string where it goes around the capstan by the tuning flywheel.
Another member adjusted the tuner string so it pulled evenly on the 2 springs on the large white pulley, said it did wonderful things and stopped the slippage.
Be careful, that is easily the most convoluted tuner string wind I ever saw.
If you take the string off good luck.
Also make sure the tuning needle slides along the top of the dial freely, that the surface is clean and smooth.
And yes, that is a good sounding receiver with more power than you need.
Casey :thmbsp: