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  3. 142606-137

Catastrophic Accident! What To Do!?

This actually happened during the holidays.  I'm having a hard time dealing with it.  I've owned my Music Reference RM9 amp for over 15 years.  While replacing a fuse, something I've done easily over 2 dz. times thru the yrs, The amp tipped over.  Long story short, the way the unit fell damaged/smashed most of the tubes (12 in total!).  Man, seriously, I practically feel like I've lost a member of my family!  I've been in contact with Roger Modjeski at Ram Labs and they've been 100% supportive even though I'm not the original owner.  But the dilemma is substantial, the amp can be repaired no doubt, but to transport it from S. Fl. to Ca., plus tube replacement, plus possible other repairs.  Not sure it makes dollas & sense.  The fact is I'm not the youngster I was when I 1st acquired the gear, plus being retired the money ain't what it used to be.  This accident has seriously got me considering whether I should continue with the hobby.  The gear, 1000's of records and CD's somehow, suddenly feels like a bit much.  I've been into the gear for 35+ yrs. but I've been a music-lover my entire life, I'll never stop listening....but maybe it's time to downsize?  Ram Labs has offered help in testing, and/or repairing, and even offered the alternative of selling the unit for parts.  Tremendous support!  I think I'd be able to sell it but I just can't bring myself to go down that road, not yet.  So into the 'spares' closet she goes, and since I don't have another amp, it's headphone time!  

Here's hoping y'all have a safe and incident-free New Year!
128x128chazro
moebuster's avatar
moebuster
23 posts
 
Slow down a minute.

put the old set of tubes in it and turn it on. if it functions then use what you have til your ready willing and able to buy whatever tubes you want.


and set the damn thing on a table and towel before fiddling with it.

it’s a minor setback in the grand scheme.live and deal with it.i do feel your pain-
party on garth...
desktopguy
330 posts
 
Always sorry to hear about an audio tragedy. We've all been there.

IMHO the RM-9 is well worth fixing & keeping. I built a big bad 2-channel system around one in the late '80s. Loved that sound.

I still have two RM-9s in storage. I had Roger convert each to triode-switchable (w/a pentode-triode switch installed adjacent to each output tube). Hearing this amp in all triode mode is still one of my greatest audio experiences.

I'm sure "better" tube amps are out now (including those made by Music Reference). But I would happily go back to the RM-9 if I had a big living room system again.

And for what it's worth, I never changed a fuse on either RM-9. Kind of surprised to read about that...
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,500 posts
 
Maybe I e missed something in all the replies but if you only damaged the tubes why do you need to send it anywhere. Just pull the broken tubes out and replace. Vacuum out any glass you can and be done. That's of course if no internal damage that I didn't see is also an issue. Other the  the cost to buy new tubes. At least you will know you are good for a couple years after. Why are you also replacing fuses? Did they blow Nd is that a regular occurrence or do you change get them for fresh ones ( imo that's not  necessary unless they are decades old) 
pmiller115's avatar
pmiller115
95 posts
 
Is it possible that any part of the accident damage could be covered by insurance? 
gdnrbob
4,407 posts
 
@ganach,
Good idea.
Tom Tutay is highly regarded.
B
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