Sorry for the off-topic post, but I know there are people on here who may be able to point me in the right direction.
I use an oldish (1980s I would guess) HiFi amp (solid state) as a power amp on my home studio/PC setup. Recently it's started randomly making a noise that sounds almost like waves breaking. It's definitely the amp because it still does it even if I turn the mixer off or even unplug the input cables.
Every now and then there is a pop, then the whooshing/wave breaking noise for some time, then quiet again. I thought it was some sort of interference, but then noticed that hitting the amp can make it stop or start doing it. I can't see anything obviously loose, no bulgy capacitors, no suicidal spiders. Gave all the switches and pots a wiggle.
It's not worth spending too much time (and certainly not money) on, but if any of you resident amp gurus recognise the symptoms and can suggest where I should look for a dodgy joint or whatever I'd be most grateful
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I think it's a Rotel, probably RA-840 BX3 or BX4. Will have a look later...
Couldn't see anything obvious on the "hot" things, so I went round the board poking with a stick until I found out what affected the noise. Turned out to be a normal little transistor - hardly had any solder on one of the legs, so I don't think it was properly done when new. Resoldered that and all is well again.