Crate G80XL problem...

[Wilthadg]

So hopefully one of you guys can help me out here... I just bought a Crate G80XL for 60 bucks... I knew there'd be a problem with it, as that seemed like a ridiculously low price for that amp. So the problem is this; At a lower volume, the amp sounds fine. The louder I crank it, I start to get these "pops" that sound very similar to the pop it makes when I power the unit on.  It seems like the more bass I have, the worse the pops get...  I already cleaned out all the pots with contact cleaner... I'm thinkin it may be the power supply caps, but I'm not sure... Any suggestions?

[Enzo]

Connect the amp to other speakers, the vibration from the inner speakers is probably vibrating a loose connection.

And likewise, turn the reverb down and the amp running, ball up your fist and whack the top of the amp. Does that make a pop or noise?  The amp should not react to the whacking, if it does, something inside is loose.

Looke connections inside are likely on larger parts like the large 5 and 10 watt power resistors, large filter caps, etc.

[joecool85]

Connect the amp to other speakers, the vibration from the inner speakers is probably vibrating a loose connection.

And likewise, turn the reverb down and the amp running, ball up your fist and whack the top of the amp. Does that make a pop or noise?  The amp should not react to the whacking, if it does, something inside is loose.

Looke connections inside are likely on larger parts like the large 5 and 10 watt power resistors, large filter caps, etc.

Could be the input jack as well.  Try wiggling it around with the amp on, it should be virtually quite, maybe a bit of static-type noises but no pops.