CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

Angus_rg · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:22 pm Post subject: Ampro 4200/4600 comparison

I have a Marquee 8500 and see a possible deal on a 4200 that has had its convergence boards replaced with a 4600.

I know that the picture should be significantly better then my Marquee, but I'm curious if any one out there can attest to how much better, and if this model is prone to some of the older reliability issues. With the upgraded convergence board, does it put it on par with a 4600? What other replacements would be required to "make" it a 4600?

Depending on what it ends up going for, I'm thinking I could upgrade my current PJ for about $500 to $800 after I sell the Marquee. While it's not that much, I'd rather not spend the money if there will be reliability issues. Just curious if some more exp. CRTers have an opinion if it would be a wise upgrade, or if I should steer clear.

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:32 pm Post subject:

I'd be really surprised if this works. THe 4200 convergence board is completely different from the 4600 and won't work properly unless a bunch of other board swaps are done. Even then, it probably won't work.

Stay away from modded sets. ASk any tech that has worked on one. YOu end up with a one of a kind model that will be impossible to troubleshoot and repair down the road.

The 4600 set is unique from all other 9" Ampros, including the motherboard, etc.

Angus_rg · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:46 pm Post subject:

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 7:26 pm Post subject:

A couple of the techs here and on avs are running into this a lot now. It's the same reason why I don't deal with fan mods or other unproven longterm mods (lens mods excepted).

Nothing like trying to troubleshoot a set with a customer via email or phone, and 2 hours later it turns out that someone has put a wrong part into the set, causing the problem. With the exception of Mike Parker, I haven't seen anyone put the time and effort to do proper R&D into mods to make sure they work properly, long term, and in every set.

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 3:05 pm Post subject:

BTW, I saw the ad on fleabay. Looks like it's the convergence OUTPUT board that has been changed only, the main registration board is original 4200.

Not sure of the differences if any to the 4600 conv. output board as compared to the original one, but function-wise I don't think you gain anything.

papalek · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 1536 Location: Longs SC

The board change is going to gain nothing. But the fan upgrades are a big plus. That is an upgrade that all of the 4000 and 4200 sets need. The two small stock belly fans are way to small for adequate cooling. Thats why the 4300 and 4600 went to the larger fans.

Thats not to bad of a price for it if you pick it up. $1000 and no freight with the remote and fan mods is decent.

Angus_rg · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 5:52 pm Post subject:

How hard would it be to verify the board is or isn't a 4600 convergence board. Based on Curt's response, I'd be tempted to think that he may have been told it was a 4600 convergence board, but, like getting my oil changed, just because I ask for premium oil/filter doesn't mean I got it.

tse · Joined: 03 May 2006 Posts: 1014 Location: Sweatbucket, Fl.

If it is the one presently on ebay then it isn't a 4600 registration bd. The pictures show a thru-hole bd, where the 4600s had the SMD version. Most likely the output bd has been changed. That would be pretty straight forward and shouldn't cause any problems with servicing. The big difference being that the registration coils would connect opposite polarity from the original system.

Scott

Angus_rg · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 7:05 pm Post subject:

So it was a "changed" with premium oil, but got the regular stuff. That is good to know. Why am I not surprised someone would be misinformed or misinforming about their product.

I know some had reliability issues, mainly with the power supply. Curte's site only really talks about the 3000 series and the 4600. How is this one?

Yeah, the thing about it that is appealing is the fact that it is only a 45 minute drive from me. I would probably rather wait it out, see it to make sure it runs and is in the shape they say, then make the buy, so bidding may not be an option. Does anyone know what they typically go for on ebay? I searched and couldn't find any. I know a lot of PJs never sell or do well because of the shipping.

papalek · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 1536 Location: Longs SC

Like I said I think the price is decent.

And like I said most of the problems that the earlier AmPros had was HEAT related. The cooling was not up to snuff and the neckboards and power supplies took the brunt of the punishment and the result which was failure. This one with the larger fans should not have any problems.IMHO

Ray Cendroski · Joined: 22 Apr 2006 Posts: 68 Location: Concord, Ohio

I believe that's "rajdude's Ampro 4200" in the long thread over at AVS (that we all participated in):

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=628463

Like Scott said, I think he meant the amplifier output board, which is just in front of the registration board. My 4200 has the same output board as my 4600, and I seem to remember he upgraded during the coarse of the thread. The last page of the thread (16) has some pictures. I don't think he intended anything malicious.

Ray

Angus_rg · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:27 pm Post subject:

That is hysterical. I was reading that thread the other day when seeing if I could find any issues with the model. Thanks a bunch. I'll definitely be reading that closer, if not piggy backing should I get it or another one.

Doesn't matter to me if he did or didn't. Just good to have have the knowledge before going into a deal.

Everyone, thanks for your input.