Tandberg sounds bright.

It's a transitor amp is not a proper reply. Just like saying every tube amp sound's wonderful. This of course is not true there are bad tube designs and good transitor designs as well. I have a Classe DR-9 transitor amp that in many way's is just as musical as many good if not great tube amp's, it is a matter of choice. Tube amps do have an engaging bloom that does make them sound very musical. But some would call this a coloration.I for one love the sound of tube amps and many preamps but hate to be subjected to pricey tube's and checking the bias every week.

Sounds defective if channels are dropping out. Maybe you need to find a different repair shop.

Can't say about the 3026A, but the 3006A power amp is anything BUT bright. Its character is warm and slightly dark. I used this amp in my main system for about 15 years. The 3008A companion pre-amp is slightly bright, so the pair gives a pretty neutral overall sound. In comparison, the 3006A is somewhat darker than the Rowland Model 10 I currently use and quite a bit darker than an Aragon 4004mkII. Its sound is actually quite similar to a Cary V12 tube amp I had on loan, except the Cary had a looser bass. I currently use the 3006A as a subwoofer amp in my home theater where it does an excellent job.

I have been a Tandberg owner for many years of 3002A & 3008A preamps, 3006A, 3026A amplifiers and 3012A intergraded amplifiers, the speakers I use are Soliloquy 5.0 & 6.3. Personally I would describe the sound to be on the warm side, maybe it's the match with the speakers. The downside with the Tandberg equipment, it's starting to reach 20 + years of use and Tandberg doesn't have a authorized repair center anymore and I usually need to ship to a repair center like Soundsmith in NY, to have equipment fixed, my local repair shop are having a hard time finding parts. The shop may substitute with what they have available, this may contribute to the bright sound. Also I have experienced large number of Tandberg units are sold cheaply on E-bay have some kind of problem, noisy volume control on pre-amps or a pop when the amp is turned on. One shop in Seattle have several customers who bought units and have to fix some problem. Even though I love my Tandberg equipment, I'm starting to replace with newer components, I believe 20-25 years of enjoyment is good value for my investment.

Thanks for your input. I am sending it to another shop.