Rowe Cadette Model CMM-1 Amplifier issue

[Retro-active]

Hello everyone,

I'm a new member and just got a pretty nice deal on a 67 Rowe Cadette Jukebox. The exterior and mechanical condition of the unit, are excellent.  However I have very low volume output from the amplifier, MODEL R-2576A.

(FYI-The master volume potentiometer appears fine.).
If I unplug the amp and plug it in while a record is playing, the volume will briefly play at a normal level for one-two secs, and then decay to a very low level.  I am told that this is likely a capacitor problem.  (Unfortunately there appear no capacitor kit readily available for this amp MODEL R-2576A.)

So I am a bit stuck, suggestions, comments as well as spurious thoughts are welcome.  I'd like to repair or replace this amp.

Anxious to bring this back from its dormant life to a new adventure..-Thanks and Happy 2021.
Mike G

[jukenorman]

Ideally you should have the amplifier rebuilt, I would suggest. I would also recommend you stop using the amplifier meantime to prevent further and potentially costly damage being done. There is quite a long thread (currently at the bottom of this page) on a CMM-1 refurbishment.

Norman.

[wdln]

That thread can be found here:

jukeboxaddicts.proboards.com/thread/2094/rowe-cadette-cmm1-restoration-needed

Replacing the electrolytic capacitors is a good start, especially the large power supply caps, and I agree with Ron that you should not power it up again until you address the issue.  Pre-procured cap kits aren't the only way to do it... you can also buy individual caps piecemeal from a source like Digi-Key.  It might be a little more expensive to buy in small quantities and "roll your own" kit but all the values you might need are out there.  In case someone has been inside it before and replaced components, it's always best to replace each cap using the value found on the schematic/parts list from your amp, rather than just swapping what you see installed in the amp now.

If you do it yourself, take lots of pictures before you start, work slowly and methodically, and triple-check your work as you go.  Especially pay attention to the polarity of the caps.

It could also be a failing tube.

[Ron Rich]

Hi Mike,
----- or, a failing resistor, or inductor, or, solder joint--- In other words- that amp. like all old electronic items, should outta be, re-built, not just "re-capped", before something like a transformer is destroyed ! Ron Rich