Pioneer VSX-821 Won't Power On

[mike523]

I found this unit at a garage sale, won't power on. I've seen a number of threads around talking about how to get this thing to display error codes and all that but no matter what button combination I try, I can't get anything to show on the front display. I've also seen talk of a fuse near the power cord, on mine it looks like its wrapped in tin foil, is that the correct one? I'm not sure how to check it to see if it's the issue. I'm guessing that if I'm not even able to get an error code to display on screen this receiver may be junk?

edit: checked fuse in tin foil, its good

 

[10tacle]

There are all kinds of power failure reports on the AVS forums for Pioneer's VSX-__21 series receivers. Most point to a transistor problem, not a fuse problem. Also, the fuse should be white and ceramic looking, not wrapped in aluminum foil. Sounds like the owner tried to half-butt rig a fix not knowing what he was doing. He may have ruined it altogether if he powered it up thinking the fuse was shot and tried sticking foil in there.

Hope you got it for dirt cheap. You may be able to get it repaired for a reasonable cost at a local TV/stereo repair shop *IF* it's not ruined and just a simple $35 transistor part that's bad (yes, they still exist in bigger towns and cities!).

When I'm at a garage sale and see an old PC or laptop I'm interested in for upgradability and charity donation (read: tax deduction), I ask the owner to power it up.

 

[mike523]

I haven't even paid for it yet, he let me take it home to make sure it worked - seems like he knew it didn't.

 

[mike523]

I'm not sure why he would wrap the fuse in tin foil when its clearly in perfect condition, it's not blown.

 

[10tacle]

I'm not sure why he would wrap the fuse in tin foil when its clearly in perfect condition, it's not blown.

Well if the fuse is not blown then likely it's a blown transistor. It's only about a $35 part (US) but unless you know what you are doing, it's probably best left to a pro to repair it. I'd be willing to pay $10 to take it to an audio/video repair person to look at it (like paying a mechanic to look at a used car) if you feel the seller is offloading it for cheap (like $25 or under). They are selling on eBay for under $100 in working condition like this one: http/www.ebay.com/itm/Pioneer-VSX-821-K-5-1-Channel-110-Watt-A-V-Receiver-/301925918776?hash=item464c2fe838:g:3a0AAOSwbwlXC7kU

 

[mike523]

It's a pretty nice receiver but sounds like its just not worth the trouble

 

[10tacle]

It's a pretty nice receiver but sounds like its just not worth the trouble

It's apparently nice when working (if still working after 5 years as the model series is that old), but like I said earlier, lots of failure reports with this series. I wouldn't bother.

 

[mike523]

Thanks!