Audio Systems: VM9510TS - Static in one speaker & No Sound in the rest, internal amps, external amplifier

Question
Hello,
I have a Jensen VM9510TS that works fine as far as the Touch Screen, DVD, radio station presets, and AUX. I heard a pop! Now I can sometimes hear static in one speaker and no sound in the others.

The car shop that did the install said that the units sound output has gone bad. Is that possible? If so, can it be repaired?

I've contacted Audiovox and they said to ship it to Protech Electronics way down in NC, but I've heard some bad things about their repair work. If it is repairable (and if not by me), do you recommend any local shops in the DC metro?

Thanks

Answer
To be truthful Stephen, I would just add some external amplification.
The internal Jensens are bad already and if you have it/them repaired, it will cost alot and may fail in another area of the unit the very next day. The shipping (alone) can floor ya.

Most 'reputable' shops would likely just swap out the bad unit unless Jensen does not allow this (however, you would probably have to pay for the R&R).
This could mean two things, the shop is lame, or Jensen is.


To be sure, almost anything can be repaired if you have the money.
I have no idea on the Protech company, but knowing Jensens' reputation, I would not expect too much in the end result (as to repairs).
Common sense and hindsight might suggest that we not expect  high tech, durable gear from a  middle-of-the-road company, but your best bet at this point (if the headunit works ok otherwise..as in, Preamp controls) would be to use the Jensens' line-level aux outputs and run them to an appropriate external 2-4 channel amplifier.  An external amplifier will not heat up the headunit as it gets warm (like internal amps), so the headunit will run cooler/last longer and sound better than repairing the internal ones. You will still have total system control from the headunit.

I am in the midwest so I cannot readily assist you in a local search. It IS hit and miss or 'luck of the draw' as to repair shops. Finding one that is great can be a quite a card draw if you have no references to tell you about their experiences with that shops' repairs...ect.

If you are serious about repairing it yourself, you might re-ask this question to either Cleggsan or Garry. They are the ones that can help us with that type of advice. If you do re-ask them, please tell them that Jerry Mael sent you.

That is my best advice (for most logical paths you might choose at this point).
I hope this helps.


Sincerely,
Jerry Mael