My 5 years old Tivoli 2 DAB radio makes a low buzzing noise on DAB. ?

Hi, I took the radio to a 'repair cafe' hoping they would be able to fix it..... I loved on to find your really helpful answer.
They worked their skills and fixed it.
So thank you to you and http://sheffieldrepaircafe.callpress.net/events-diary/

Many thanks

Paul

Paul May
January 2020

Paul, the answer to your question is yes, it definitely does work, however, a comment on this thread (Nick Wells) says the five capacitors are on the board to which the power plug connects, they are not. This is the audio board, but whilst on this board there are two capacitors (2200uF 16v) on there which would also benefit from replacement. They are the output capacitors for the power amp, which is a single power rail design. Mine had dried out - well, one had, the other is only in use if you use an external speaker for the second channel - left to its devices, this /these could go short, and damage the amplifier module, or even the speaker, and replacement definitely improves the bass response. DON’T lose the small piece of foam rubber that separates / insulates them from the heat sink, it should be replaced.
Anyway, the five main offending capacitors (one 2200uF 25v and four off 100uF 16v) are on the power stabilisation board, which is on the opposite side of the back plate, fiddly to get at and you will need to unscrew the aerial and remove the balance knob, which was very tight on mine. Make a note of where all printed circuit board plugs fit, although it is difficult to get it wrong. You must also get ALL capacitors the right way round or you will cause damage. This includes those on the power amp board.
On reassembly and testing, the difference is immediately noticeable, and the clock sets itself almost instantly. Mine had got to the state of needing days to set itself. All parts are available at Farnell in UK.
Well worth the effort, job takes under an hour, but I have done this sort of work for many years now. Also have the right tools and equipment, and done many of these now, probably 30 or more. Love ‘em to bits, great little radio with remarkable sound quality.

Peter Smith
October 2019

Had anyone tried changing the capacitors and know if this actually works? I might be able to find someone to do this for me, but only want to try this (as not wanting to inconvenience a friend) if it's going to end in failure!!

Paul
December 2018

Hi, has anyone had any joy from Tivoli about this matter? It does seem like a design issue. Although I might ask a friend who can solder to replace the 2 capacitors for me.

Paul
February 2017

Indeed, the Model DAB develops a buzz-click sound
which reduces after 15 min of playing.

Interference can still continue after that.
Moving the antenna helps at times.

ways forward
March 2016

This applies to the Tivoli Model DAB but the same problem will likely occur on other models.

It is a simple repair if you can solder.
Take the back off and remove the power supply board (the one that the power cable plugs into).

There are 5 capacitors on the board that will be baked dry because the heatsink is always hot when the unit is plugged in. Not a great design that!

For the Model DAB you will need 5 capacitors:
1 x 2200uF 20v
4 x 100uF 20v
I would get 105C temp rated they will last longer.

There is enough room inside to solder them on the reverse side of the PCB away from the heatsink which will help stop them baking again.

Nick Wells
August 2015

For Tivoli repairs contact us mwes.co.uk 01706 633247

Mwes
August 2014

Look at this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HslWgCX0mo

Gunnar
January 2014

I have the same problem, and Im not going to buy a Tivoli radio again...
Its easy to fix. Tivoli has plased condensators underneath a cooling plate on the circutboard where the powercable is connected. Due to the heat from this plate the two condensators 2200uf 10V must be repaced. You can just buy 2 new ones in a radiorepear store and replace them. Sometimes I wonder why they produse radioes that will go defect just after the garanti period....

Gunnar
January 2014

yep, i have this problem too. don't want to pay for a repair as i'm concerned that the design fault hasn't been rectified and that a faulty component will be replaced like for like to break down again at some future date. i wish they would sell the part so i could replace myself. it may just be a capacitor or two which cost pennies. ahhhh

beerod
January 2014

Mine does the same anyone got a solution???? Please let me know.

Tommy Noermark
January 2013

I have two of these. One working fine, the other has the same issue that is mentioned here...

If anyone has any luck getting some feedback from Tivoli, please post here! This is obviously a design fault! I'll do my bit by sending an e-mail to the manufacturer...

Crossed fingers!

Daryl
November 2012

Mine 6 years old too and buzzing on DAB. Tivoli uk have given me the details of their repair firm (MWES in Rochdale). They have a fixed fee of £65 includes labour parts and return postage. Pondering whether it is worth it.

Pumactr
October 2012

I'm so relieved to read these comments, my Tivoli (which was not cheap) and is also about six years old does the same on DAB. The only thing I've found is to turn it on and leave it! buzzing disappears after about 7 mins - FM is fine. I'll invesigate interior soldering though. Many thanks.

claire
September 2012

Interesting, mine does the same. I only discovered this having fixed the aerial which had the solder fail on the internal lead... It's taken me at least 6 months to fix this BTW. In the meantime FM has been working fine and still does. I reckon that this is a DAB specific issue on the basis that if you force an auto tune it only starts humming when it finds channels. Will investigate further...

pao
September 2012

Mine too, although if I leave the radio on it eventually goes away (after 20 mins or so). Bit disappointing.

AP
September 2012

Mine too.

Thinks its a commonfault.

I have just emailed tivoli.

Good luck but I think its a scrapper.

Cheers

J

j
January 2012