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  1. #1
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    Question Cleaning Pass Labs Remote Control

    Sorry if this isn't the correct section for this question, but as is relates to my Pass Labs XP-10 pre-amp, I figured this was as good as any. I'm in the process of preparing to sell my XP-10. The unit itself is in great condition, no issue there. The metal remote control, however, is another matter. Over the years of use, it has acquired a layer of dust, grease, and general grime that I'd like to remove before sending it on its merry way. The button labels are all intact, so any cleaning method shouldn't be so aggressive that it removes those.

    Any thoughts?
    Electronics: Pass Labs XP-22, Pass Labs X250.8
    Digital: T+A DAC 200, Auralic Aries G1, Sony UBP-X800M
    Analog: Pro-Ject X2 w/ Ortofon 2M Black, iFi Phono3 Phonostage
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    Other: David Laboga Custom Audio/Shunyata/Audioquest cabling, PS Audio PowerPlant 15

  2. #2
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    Re: Cleaning Pass Labs Remote Control

    I’d start with a Q-tip moistened with Windex or some mild cleaner. I’d just be careful of getting the buttons saturated. You might be able to take it apart if it’s that bad and give it a deeper clean.

    Several Q-tip sessions might be necessary.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

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  3. #3
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    Re: Cleaning Pass Labs Remote Control

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    I’d start with a Q-tip moistened with Windex or some mild cleaner. I’d just be careful of getting the buttons saturated. You might be able to take it apart if it’s that bad and give it a deeper clean.

    Several Q-tip sessions might be necessary.
    I always remove batteries first. Then I do the same as joeinid except use only water - and it's barely damp with water (I barely dip Q-Tip in water and then dab Q-Tip on towel to dry it somewhat out).

    And a big YES on "just be careful of getting the buttons saturated" and that it may take "several Q-tip sessions." Slow and cautious.

  4. #4
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    Re: Cleaning Pass Labs Remote Control

    I agree with all the other advice given so far. One additional precaution you can take is to hold the remote upside down while you do the cleaning. That way any excess liquid that may drip will run away from the gap between the buttons and the housing.
    Gary
    Main: Lumin A1, Accuphase E-650, Tannoy Canterbury GR, Shunyata, Audience
    Secondary: Lumin M1, Linton Heritage, Shunyata, Audience

  5. #5
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    Re: Cleaning Pass Labs Remote Control

    What about rubbing alcohol? It cuts grease and evaporates fast. Not a suggestion yet, just asking. I've used it on some things but can't remember if ever a remote.
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
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  6. #6
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    Re: Cleaning Pass Labs Remote Control

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    What about rubbing alcohol? It cuts grease and evaporates fast. Not a suggestion yet, just asking. I've used it on some things but can't remember if ever a remote.
    I think I would call Pass before using any type of chemicals.

  7. #7
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    Re: Cleaning Pass Labs Remote Control

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    What about rubbing alcohol? It cuts grease and evaporates fast. Not a suggestion yet, just asking. I've used it on some things but can't remember if ever a remote.
    Or Methanol ?
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  8. #8
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    Re: Cleaning Pass Labs Remote Control

    Actually, I decided to also contact Pass (as well as post here). They suggested either:

    1) Remove the circuit board and batteries and then use a gentle soap to wash the outside

    OR

    2) Remove the batteries and use Q-Tips and Windex

    I tried the second (since there was one pesky screw I couldn't get out) and it ended up working really well.

    Thanks for the suggestions -- I think they were all solid.
    Electronics: Pass Labs XP-22, Pass Labs X250.8
    Digital: T+A DAC 200, Auralic Aries G1, Sony UBP-X800M
    Analog: Pro-Ject X2 w/ Ortofon 2M Black, iFi Phono3 Phonostage
    Speakers: Janszen Audio Valentina P8, SVS SB13-Ultra
    Other: David Laboga Custom Audio/Shunyata/Audioquest cabling, PS Audio PowerPlant 15

  9. #9
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    Re: Cleaning Pass Labs Remote Control

    I would have taken that choice as well. I would be paranoid about messing with the circuit board.
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  10. #10
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    Re: Cleaning Pass Labs Remote Control

    Those guys at Pass Labs (and FirstWatt) are too used to us DIYers. Only a stubborn screw, as indicated above, would keep me from removing the PCB, washing the shell with dish soap and water, and cleaning the PCB with QTip and isopropyl alcohol. For the “just brushed” feeling!

    Congrats on the successful cleaning, and GL with sale.
    Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
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Cleaning Pass Labs Remote Control

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