Compact stereo keeps blowing fuses.

I have a Sony LBT-G3100 that is giving me problems. It was purchased back in the summer of 2001 used for around $280.00US. Well I havent had any problems with it, but recently noticed a flash inside the unit. (fuse blowing) I went out and purchased some new fuses but it eats them up like popcorn, they blow as soon as I plug it in.

I'm suspecting the power section to have gone in it and was wondering if this could be the source of the problem, also where might I track down a replacement?

Here are some pics:

http://members.willinet.net/cgh/Stereo_power.jpg
http://members.willinet.net/cgh/Stereo_power_close.jpg
http://members.willinet.net/cgh/Stereo_power_wide.jpg
http://members.willinet.net/cgh/Stereo_wide.jpg

 

Ha i needed to laugh after that line.....EATS THEM UP LIKE POPCORN!!!!!!

 

Sounds like there is a short between the hot and netral, a short within the transformer coils or even shorted diodes in the rectifier. Without the circuit it is difficult to say but most well designed power supplies would have a bypass transistor in series at the output of the power supply. This will shut down in the even of an overload at the output of the PSU (if a short occurs on the main circuit board for example) without blowing any fuses .

If you know how to read and troubleshoot electronics your best option would be to get hold of the circuit diagram and do some troubleshooting with a multimeter. Since you are not troubleshooting the signal path you don't need any complex intruments like scopes.