Every so often, we should stop, take stock and do basic preventive maintenance on our equipment. This will range from dusting to checking connections to checking bias where applicable and any of half-a-dozen other small tasks often ignored. As there are five (5) active systems in our house, I start with a bucket containing:
Small Zip-Ties - useful for wire dressing and securing connections.
Velcro Strips - bundling wires and holding wires to furniture legs and so forth - good in pet-friendly households as they prevent critter-displacement of wires.
Various small tools - screwdrivers, small wrenches, pliers, dental picks, miniature spiral brushes and similar.
High-proof isopropanol.
Wet-wipes, Q-Tips, Clean lint-free rags - self-explanatory.
Tooth-brush size small soft brass wire-brush.
Cordless Dyson - self-explanatory.
Crimp-connectors - various sizes. Does that end look worn? Cut back and replace.
VOM - rarely necessary, but when it is...
Contact Cleaner & Lubricant(s) - as needed.
Good Maglite flashlight.
CD Laser Cleaner Device.
Optional: Lamps and fuses as appropriate.
Garbage bag for waste.
Start at the speakers, work back to the electronics and each source. Remake every connection. Clean any corrosion or dull contact surfaces. Clean scratchy controls . Wipe down exteriors and surfaces. If tube, and it has been more than a year - clean and tighten tube sockets (carefully). Replace any failed lamps. Dress wires and interconnects end-to-end. Bias-check if applicable.
And when you are done, sit back and have a good listen!
Small Zip-Ties - useful for wire dressing and securing connections.
Velcro Strips - bundling wires and holding wires to furniture legs and so forth - good in pet-friendly households as they prevent critter-displacement of wires.
Various small tools - screwdrivers, small wrenches, pliers, dental picks, miniature spiral brushes and similar.
High-proof isopropanol.
Wet-wipes, Q-Tips, Clean lint-free rags - self-explanatory.
Tooth-brush size small soft brass wire-brush.
Cordless Dyson - self-explanatory.
Crimp-connectors - various sizes. Does that end look worn? Cut back and replace.
VOM - rarely necessary, but when it is...
Contact Cleaner & Lubricant(s) - as needed.
Good Maglite flashlight.
CD Laser Cleaner Device.
Optional: Lamps and fuses as appropriate.
Garbage bag for waste.
Start at the speakers, work back to the electronics and each source. Remake every connection. Clean any corrosion or dull contact surfaces. Clean scratchy controls . Wipe down exteriors and surfaces. If tube, and it has been more than a year - clean and tighten tube sockets (carefully). Replace any failed lamps. Dress wires and interconnects end-to-end. Bias-check if applicable.
And when you are done, sit back and have a good listen!
