Spark sound stops after a few minutes, still works through the headphones
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So, I see other people having this issue as well, but a bit different. This thing played just fine, then one day it just cut out, no sound. If I shut it off for a bit, the sound will return when I turn it back on. The headphone still works. This seems to be an issue with the speaker amplifier section. I've tried updating the firmware, doing a reset, and unplugging it overnight. Nothing has worked so far. My second Spark doesn't seem to have this problem (yet), but I don't use it as much.
It should still be within the 1 year warranty, but I honestly don't want to bother with sending the thing back. I haven't had very good luck with shipping lately. I'm hoping that it is something software related that I can fix, but I'm guessing not.
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I’d open a ticket to establish and preserve your warranty rights.
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Is it a Spark 40 or Mini?
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In my experience (36 years aerospace electronics manufacturing & test) given your description, I’d first suspect a component is going bad. It works in the circuit until it heats up, and then ‘opens’ or goes outside the specification range, killing part of the circuit. It cools down below the failure temperature and works again. Component Infant Mortality issues often occur with less expensive commercial components; less acceptance/stress testing = lower cost.
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@david-edgar Dirt in the switch built into the headphone jack that turns off the speakers when you plug headphones in will do the same thing.
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Good idea
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Spark 40
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That's my thoughts, as well. I have been building guitar pedals and other electronic items for about 12 years now. I suspect it's the amp chip that drives the speakers. It seems like the spark uses a separate chip amp for the headphone driver. With the digital driver chips, it could be something as simple as a bias resistor that drifts out of tolerance with heat, or a failing bias cap. Or could be the chip, itself. Or even poor contact to a heat spreader (or lack of any heat dissipation). I wish it was modular, send an amp board off to get a new one instead of sending the whole unit back, but as you know, more connectors=more problems.
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Spark 40 amp’s front speakers cut in & out after a few minutes of amp use.
I own two Spark40 amps and they both cut out at front speakers after a few minutes of play.
I have cleaned connectors, reset the amp, updated the firmware, changed every cable and tired numerous guitars. I even tried different power supplies with a ground cable and proper voltage and amperage capability. I have checked my wall power for 115-120 AC.
And this issue persists.
On one amp this occurs within 3-4 minutes of play and the other within 10 minutes.
I have an open case with positive grid and it is escalated to senior techs. They are trying but it heading to shipping and repair cost. Unfortunately I am out of warranty.
I see this Discussion Form has many people with similar issues and posts. Where they describe something similar. And note everything else’s is working bluetooth, smartphone app, headphones etc.
Please comment if you have any suggestions that worked for you.
Regards
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@david-edgar
Check out recent thread “Recycling Spark 40 Hardware?”. Member identified a potential intermittent problem with capacitor. Reflowing solder seemed to fix his problem… -
@rhh1095 I might have a solution that will work for you. Check my other post from 'Sound Cuts In and Out'. Hope it helps.