Vintage sound machine ebbs intermittently

5 years ago

Hi, i use a vintage Marsona sound machine, which has served me well for a long time, and which originally cost me about $100 in approx. the 1990s. It has varied sounds such as gurgling brook, birds, ocean tides, or white noise. (btw, I really should have bought the basic one back then, since i favor white-noise exclusively.)

Lately, upon waking in the morning, i noticed the sound isn't holding steady. Rather, the noise strengthens and ebbs, intermittently. Sometimes it will emit only a very faint sound for a long stretch of time, until it gradually goes back to the strength it was set at.

Does anyone have a clue as to what's most likely the issue? I.E.

(1) the power outlet it's plugged into?

(2) the adapter it came with?

(3) the machine itself?

Thanks.

Featured Answer

Elmer J Fudd

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Solid state components (the guts inside that make it work) don't last forever. You can answer your first question by plugging it into a different socket. If that doesn't change anything, then it's 2 or 3 and which doesn't really matter because if it's something you like to use, these things are more easily and more inexpensively replaced than repaired. You've gotten what sounds like tens of thousands of hours of service from it and more than your money's worth, let it retire.

You'll find many good choices at a fraction of what you say you paid 30 years ago. I wouldn't agonize over it.

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Comments (7)

wdccruise
5 years ago
- Vintage Marsona devices on ebay
- Sleep sound machines on Amazon
- White noise apps for Android phones on Google Play
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jally
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I see, Elmer, thanks.

BTW, I forgot to mention that i prefer one with a power cord, rather than requiring batteries.

While I suspect the vintage machines are superior than newer ones, do any of you know of a current sound machine (with power cord) that would most compare to vintage Marsona's in durability and sound clarity?

P.S. Actually, it wasn't stupidity, but rather that my alternate outlet is a bit less convenient for me (as shelf-space there is more tight), but i just now plugged it in there, and will see how it goes. If i continue to experience the issue even in my alternate, nearly-new, outlet, i hope to remember to post back here.
Elmer J Fudd
5 years ago
For me, I'd assume a new machine would be superior to a vintage one. Higher quality components (much more is known how to do a better job today, they've been made for decades) and better software.
jally
Original Author
5 years ago
The ones in the best position to answer that, would be whoever tried both vintage and newer ones for comparison.
Elmer J Fudd
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
There are few if any older solid state devices that are better than newer ones. So long as newer ones are of a comparable quality level in the market, it's a reasonable expectation. They're often also less expensive to buy.

I can't think of any older device so reliant on electronic components that's better than a newer one. Can you?
jally thanked Elmer J Fudd
jally
Original Author
5 years ago
Interesting Elmer, but the question is, which newer ones are both good-quality and also offer the plug-in option. By the way, i've been trying the 2nd newer outlet, and also heard it ebbing there at one point. But hey, for now it's holding up, and i'll be using it for how long it lasts.

Again, if anyone (however belated) has a recommendation for a good sound-quality machine which includes a plug, i'd appreciate if you can post its name/model below.. This isn't such a major emergency, but it would come in handy to get a recommendation. Thanks!