New here, just found it

[robpar 11]

hello from Atlanta area. Just found this forum and I'm anxious to get more info regarding my old Carver MRX-150. Still using it and was somewhat repaired a few years ago but not completely updated. Now the balance know is causing static when rotated since I very seldom used it since I bought it way back on the 80's. No big deal since I still never use it but I'm pretty sure is the pot. So, wanted to know if there are clear instructions on how to clean/lubricate it and if it's something that a novice can do. I've looked at several videos but none clearly shows how to get to the balance knob and where to spray the cleaner (Dioxit 5?) Also, I'd like an honest opinion on the difficulty on recapping and updating all the pieces that are suggested being replaced. About 5 years ago the speaker relays were replaced.

Thanks

[3M_Audio 2,228]

Welcome! 

 

 

[Cring08 272]

WELCOME!

[Kurt 3,114]

Welcome aboard!

[Sk1Bum 12,417]

Hello robpar and welcome to thecarversite.com. Glad you found us!

 

The difficulty of updating/refreshing/upgrading your receiver depends on your skill set. For me, it would be impossible, but there are many here that can probably do it in their sleep. If you have any doubt, the goto place is www.nelionaudio.com .

 

@Nahash5150, the tech admin here, is the owner of that business, and the best in that business.

 

[stereo_dog 1,501]

Welcome to the Carversite!

[Zenith4me 1,532]

Welcome to TCS!

[Charlie 17,551]

 

Try Deoxit for that sticky balance knob   DeoxIT D-Series page with shop | CAIG

Edited December 12, 2025 by Charlie

[Rob 6,212]

Welcome to the site!!!

[Half Life 977]

Welcome from VA!  Enjoy your stay!

 

While the below is an old video, it explains how to clean scratchy potentiometers.  Like some folks on here I use DeOxit to take care of the issue.

 

 

[robpar 11]

Thanks. Looks like i will have to remove the bottom cover since I couldn’t get to it from the top. I wish somebody had a detailed video on the tear down to replace all the usual suspects. I’ve had mine for almost 40 years and still like it. I switch between my NAD C375BEE and Parasound depending on the music I’m listening to

[Rob 6,212]

Yeh. There are not many videos on the things we do here. The bottom is the easiest way to get at the knobs. Also the 2 cables that go to the input board connect to a couple boxes. Those usually need to be sprayed too. The knobs and cable boxes are some of the most problematic items. Even after a total restoration these things can still cause scratchy sounds and often sound cutting out sometimes. 

[AndrewJohn 10,708]

Welcome, @robpar, glad you found us.  Looking forward to hearing about your success on your unit.

[HoraceAnkle 10]

Welcome and Happy Holidays from Northern CA.

[robpar 11]

On 12/13/2025 at 6:11 AM, Half Life said:

Welcome from VA!  Enjoy your stay!

 

While the below is an old video, it explains how to clean scratchy potentiometers.  Like some folks on here I use DeOxit to take care of the issue.

 

 

Thanks. I was able to get to most and the scratching static is gone. This sounds crazy but I'm thinking about buying one on Ebay just for parts and to practice recapping. I saw one for $50 plus shipping; it may be worth it. I also have an old Marantz 2230 that still works well but it's on it's last leg.

[robpar 11]

On 12/12/2025 at 2:54 PM, Charlie said:

 

Try Deoxit for that sticky balance knob   DeoxIT D-Series page with shop | CAIG

I did it. Still could not get to all. but the balance now works fine. Just afraid to remove more stuff

[robpar 11]

Thanks to all for the welcome. Still learning how to use this forum; it's a little different than others.  But in any event I just received the package of capacitors but not diving into just yet. I need more confidence I can do it. I've only worked on small stuff like crossovers or sub amp boards. All were easy to pull out to work on. In my area there is a shop that works on Carvers and other vintage stuff (Modular Electronics) but it will be too expensive to use him for a total refurbishment.