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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
rocknss
130 posts
 
roberjerman1
Remove the broken tubes. Remove the bottom cover and check for loose parts. If none found replace bottom cover. Buy replacement tubes. No need to send it to RAM in CA! Other than the glass tubes these amps are inherently rugged. Just don't drop it from the roof of a multi-story building!

This, how much for just the tubes.

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,412 posts
 
It could be the over 2 dozen fuse replacements of which chazro was speaking have been in all his pieces, not just the RM-9.
jetter
2,951 posts
 
dobnbavs "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." and "Some of these other statements are foolish, maybe the most, buy a 500 dollar amp." (my recommendation to get him through in the interim).

Lets see, you put a $10K turntable on an inadequate wall mount, and destroyed it?  OP should take your advice why? 

testpilot
895 posts
 
Don't take insurance advice from an Audio forum, although the information "may be" correct, contact your agent for advice and support. 

Accidents happen and don't beat yourself up about it, it happens to everyone.  I agree that you should take a moderated approach and have a local tech make an initial assessment.   Good luck


michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio
1,019 posts
 

Hi Chazro

Sorry to hear about your accident. Everyone here cringed at reading this news I'm sure. The RM9 is a classic and many of us here have owned and enjoyed Roger's work. I had my RM9 for about 5 years and have setup a few systems using the RM9.

I think the headphones will be fun, if having them on your head doesn't bother you. At the same time there is nothing like an in-room system setup the way you like it.

"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?"

There are many listeners asking themselves this very question in today's world. Downsize & simplify. There's never been a better time to do this and many great products to do this with, and fortunately not expensive.

my best to you

Michael

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