While testing the amplifier needs to function as it normally would, but if you have speakers connected you can damage them as well as your hearing. The electronic load receives attenuated power, simulating ordinary operation without the amplifier processing the signal. Take the red cable from an electronic load and connect it to the amplifier’s output socket. However, it’s simpler to have an unused generator connected to the amplifier rather than frequently connecting and disconnecting one. Depending on the type of test you are conducting, you may not need a generator (for example, you won’t need one to test the voltage of the circuit board). After you remove the panels you will see the circuit board and chassis ground.Ĭonnect a sine wave generator or a function generator to the amplifier’s input. Remove the back and top panels of the amplifier with a small screwdriver and place the screws on a strip of electrical tape in the order you remove them, so that later on you can find the right screws faster and easier.

A smoother wave typically represents a better sound. The wave’s shape will enable you to better understand the performance of your audio amplifier. Older style oscilloscopes display the wave on a cathode ray screen whereas a digital storage oscilloscope features a digital screen. You can use an oscilloscope to test your audio amplifier for blown fuses, improper biasing, signal distortion, and other sources of poor sound fidelity. An oscilloscope can display the shape of an input signal wave, enabling you to observe waves and test electrical currents.

Power amplifier repair