Audio Systems: Sound issue from one channel, harmon kardon avr 245, amp section

Question
QUESTION: Hi
I have just set up my home theater system, which consists of a Harmon Kardon AVR 245 Receiver with JBL 5.1 Speaker System. Using the EZSet option on the HK Receiver I noticed that the sound out of the front right speaker was considerably less than all the others - so much so the system could not detect it during setup. It also sounds very distorted - particularly when a soundtrack is playing. Here is what I have tried so far:
1. Processor reset to restore HK Receiver to original settings 2. Switch speakers with others in the setup that I know to be working 3. Checked all wire connections to speaker (both ends) 4. Tested speaker with different wire 5. Switched wires on front so left went to right and right to left ...

None of these fixed the problem and seem to indicate that the issue is within the Receiver itself. For some reason the sound to the front right is really bad. as I said there is sound, just much less and distorted.

I would really appreciate any input you might have. The HK Support were no help at all.

Thanks in advance.

Chris Foster


ANSWER: Either the output for that channel us blown or that channels pre-amp section is defective.  If the set is still under warranty, bring it back for an exchange or repair.  If not, then we need to look at the output section first.  Given your problem statement, the outputs are likely to be open not shorted, which makes it a bit more dificult to confirm.  Let me know what you need to do and we'll go on from there.
Dan

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

QUESTION: Thanks very much for the reply Dan. The set unfortunately is NOT under warranty - this problem occurred literally a year and a day after I bought it! (I am not kidding).

So far I have not opened the case to look at anything. Should I do so and if so what would I be looking for? I remember in the past blowing fuses in the receiver and fixing it was quite straightforward. Any chance I am looking for something similar?

Thanks

Chris

Answer
Unfortunately, confirming open transistors rather than shorted ones is not easy.  Given the time when the unit failed, I would call and request warranty repair.  If you can convince the manufacturer of the failure that close to the end of the period, they may repair it for you.  You may need to talk to the manager of the service center or manufacturer.  A record of your first call should be available as well.  Do no open up the unit until that avenue has been exhausted.  
If you don't get anywhere, open up the unit and look for the output section.  It may be either an AMP pac (marked STKxxx or such) or individual transistors.  Update this with what you find and we'll go to the next step.
Dan