$2/5pcs 2Layer & $5/5pcs 4Layer PCBs: https://jlcpcb.com
A look inside a Sony 5.1 surround sound amplifier/tuner with digital processing features. There's a colossal transformer and heatsink, quality smoothing capacitors, several relays and big fat PCB wires which I assume are grounding links.
More on my new office/workshop - see the full build process on Julian's Shednanigans:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXfDjPehpC7B7lW2JFxeS4w

By Julian

Youtuber, shed dweller, solar charge controller aficionado

15 thoughts on “A look inside – sony tuner amplifier str-db940”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Synthematix Music UK says:

    Ive got this amp, it doesnt go in to protection mode but it has no sound on all speakers, i can faintly hear the radio but only if i crank the volume to maximum, i think the voltage amplifier ic's have been destroyed by bad solder connections. and dont touch those capacitor terminals because they will kill you.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars HF-7 DXM-6 DXW-12 says:

    I love this reciever but if you like this youl loveeee the da777es, its unbelieveable how good it is.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars belkocik says:

    Can I plug in only a passive subwoofer? and what pl;ug should?

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Karl Porath says:

    For those of us that don't have solar. These are a great source for a multi tap transformer to power your bench top power supplies.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars HI-FI EQUIPMENT COMPARISON says:

    Hi i have got this one and also TEAC AG15D, so really donโ€™t know which one is better.
    Just need some help
    Thanks

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Peter Milanovski says:

    At least it's output stage is class A/B, I gave my older Sony ES pro logic amplifier to my son when I upgraded to a much newer Sony ES amplifier which had HDMI, more output power and more features only to realize that I don't like it! No direct access to hardware bass and treble controls! Class D amplifier output stage! It's definitely more powerful but it's very harsh sounding when listening to music! Movies sound just fine. The older one sounded excellent on both movie's and music!
    I have never had any luck with class D amplifiers, not even in the car! The only place that they seem to be perfect for is portable applications where quality doesn't matter much, you just need it to be loud since you loose a lot of volume to the atmosphere!
    It looks like someone has been inside that amplifier before, the transistors look like they have been replaced, I doubt that Sony would have been so sloppy with the heatsink compound!
    Considering it's age, I would be guessing that most if not all those Nichi Con capacitors need to be replaced! Nichi Con capacitors have a good reputation but I have found that there was a period where they didn't last as long as one would expect, my son has a Sony DAT machine that was one of the early models and it's a work of art inside, everything is copper shielded! Beautiful Nichi Con capacitors are everywhere! It's like someone decided to use the best of the best of everything! But every single one of those capacitors were bad! Non of them had leaked their electrolyte but they all leaked DC, the copper shielded transformer ran hot, after a complete re cap, it's power consumption dropped dramatically and the transformer ran much much cooler!
    A re cap is a job in itself but if you like the piece of equipment and want it to last, re cap it, it's worth the effort and it's cheaper than buying a new one, Yamaha is making new versions of their older stuff but they aren't cheap, they never really were, but that's the choice that we have! Re cap an older model or pay more and get a brand new one! But you have to make sure that the new one isn't junk like the majority of them out there today!

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ghozer says:

    I have a Sony DVD player from the mid 90's that has the same colour and styling as that amp… I have been looking for some components that match it so thanks for this ๐Ÿ˜€

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Twotone says:

    "Sorry this is all off camera, but this is a massive thing" Is that a John Holmes quote?

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Peru Nut says:

    Added excitement ….inspect it with the power on!

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MrCalldean says:

    Just realised you're in the new shed (Forgive me, I'm a bit tipsy) – is this because the missus is kicking you out of your normal "studio", or are you going to use this for bigger projects?

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MrCalldean says:

    Unplugging kit helps with not worrying about getting a belt from it. Just a tip.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars dentakuweb says:

    That has the obvious old Sony look to it/ Old Yamaha also all looks the same. It's like they have their preferred methods of manufacturing, parts and connectors then stick with them for quite a few years in all their products.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joe's Model Kits says:

    Julian, you could speak with "Techmoan" on his channel and he will help you out with identifying all the information about this Audio Amp.
    Have Fun,
    Joe

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars FuZZbaLLbee says:

    I still use this thing. Only downside, I have to use optical in, because it doesnโ€™t support HDMI

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars bigfoot says:

    I've also own a Sony STR DB940 – nice device

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