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
Spend a few $$ on a spare amp.  Something simple while you ponder your next step.  

I'm sorry for your loss, but please explain why you've replaced fuses dozens of times over the years?
Dave is right, accidents handling personal possessions is not something covered by any insurance. Even with a rider. Not loss or theft. Tubes don’t cost all that much and most homeowners or renters insurance have at least )1000 deductibles.  I’ve had a 10000 Basis turntable on a wall mount break and crash down on a VAC tube amp. The TT was toast but aside from a dented transformer the amp was just fine. A vacuum out and replace tubes and back to business. If you want assurance, take to a somewhat local Repair shop, which is something most dealers aren’t qualified to do. Some of these other statements are foolish, maybe the most, buy a 500 dollar amp. Best of luck. Don’t deal with anything in life based on emotion. Please use your head. Sacrifice elsewhere.