Audio Systems: RCA radio tape/CD player, rca radio, rca brand

Question
QUESTION: I have this older desk model RCA radio/tape/CD player with the 2 detachable speakers. About 10 years old. Lately the audio has been cutting out and then it pops back on, and I've noticed it primarily on radio. I don't know whether it happens also on tape/CD playback but it might. I noticed it with headphones also. Is this probably an easy fix? or is the repair more than it's worth? I have a photo but I don't think it will help much because it's just a picture of the radio, not its wiring.

ANSWER: Always a model number is the key.  With the model number we can generally look up the technology and learn what might be going on inside. So, please send that.  It is always on the back or bottom cover of the main unit.

But, let me tell you that RCA has very poor customer and technical support and their products in the class of product are generally thought of as "throw away" because the repairs are expensive and usually more than it is worth for the product in question.  Further, the overall reliability and build quality is poor on RCA brand home audio so don't expect much.

The audio cutting out can be in the electronics or in the speakers or in the connecting wires. It may take some testing on your end to determine if it is inside the electronics or not. Since you said the headphone output is also cutting in and out this probably points to the electronics inside the box.  

You might do the jiggle and wiggle thing to see if there might be a loose connection inside that will aright itself with some small acts of whacking on the box.  Cold solder joints on the electronic board inside are very, very common.  The whacking with your hand or fist will often get them going again.

Best wishes.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Model is RS 1239B. You needn't follow up if this info doesn't change your first commentary. Many thanks.

Answer
It doesn't help.  The number you gave is for the remote control, not the unit.

In any event, I find no reason to change my comments.  Most experts in home audio will tell you that any electronic device over just 2 or 3 years is probably not worthy of investing in repairs; better to upgrade to new stuff!

Hasta La Vista