a tube amplifier repair technician

Mariusz, I'm really happy to hear how highly you think of Bob!

I'm not sure what part of the area you live in, but if it's feasible, I suggest you pay Bob a visit. He and his son Gary are truly wonderful people - very gracious, accommodating, and down to earth. I'm sure they'd be delighted to meet such an enthusiastic customer and friend.

Mariusz, at this point, it may be time to introduce you to a person who does for loudspeakers what Bob Backert does for amplifiers - Bill Legall of Millersound in Lansdale, PA. You can reach him at (215) 412 - 7700 and http://www.millersound.net/indexfl.htm or read a bit more at http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/roadtour13/roadtour13.html

I would venture to say he's never worked his magic on a pair of Quattros, but as anyone who has heard what he has done with Vandersteen 2, 3, and 4 will agree, the transformation is pretty incredible.

Glad to hear you are happy with the improvements Bob has wrought on the Cyber 800. Congratulations!

I'm considering offerng "authorized" upgrades from Bob on some select Consonance gear, including the Cyber 800.

I've heard some of Bob's work, and like just about everyone who does, I sure am impressed. The sonic improvement he's wrought from John's (Johnmcalpin) preamplifier left us dumbfounded, feeling several components in the system were upgraded. Another friend who had Bob upgrade his preamplifier and power amps (in incremental steps) allowed us to hear the changes at each point of the complete transformation.

John, interesting that Bob also feels that "cycling" is the best method of break-in...

I've been writing that in some threads over the past several months, as it is my experience as well. From a logical standpoint, it makes a lot of sense. Steady state operation only gets one so far. A lot more change occurs as something heats up and cools down, and that is where the stress is.

My own, admittedly half-baked method, is to turn on a component, and run it for 8 - 18 hours, followed by a cooldown of 8 - 12 hours. Repeat that over the course of a few weeks.