Hey guys,

I've recently sold my HCA-2 amplifier to a gentleman in UK, and he's experiencing a problem.

Here is what he wrote in his Email.


The amp arrived but there's a big problem.
>
> Do you know if the protective fuse installed in the back of
> the amp is the right
> one? Also, you mentioned that the amp is in perfect working
> condition and I
> believe you for that.
>
> But a very strange thing happened - I'm aware that the
> speakers must be
> connected before plugging the amp on.
>
> Actually, I'm using a step-down transformer as most of
> my equipments are U.S.
> voltage. This transformer has a power switch.
>
> My wall power outlet also has a switch. I attach the
> speakers, then I plug-in
> the power cable you gave me. I switch the wall power outlet
> on but I haven't
> switch the STEP-DOWN transformer on yet.
>
> All of a sudden I heard a loud cracking noise and saw a bit
> of smoke coming from
> the amp.
>
> What made me puzzled is that the STEP-DOWN transformer
> switch is still OFF which
> means that there's NO current running thru the amp, so
> why will it blew-up?

Here is a picture of a piece that blew up.






It does not look like he should trying turning his amp on, but does anyone know why this unit blew up the way it did? I imagined that fuse would go out first before other components, but fuse remained intact. He will need to get it serviced regardless, but would love to offer him any advice that will be helpful.

Thanks for your help,
JRA