Dearly departed Music Reference RM9

A few weeks ago I called the number listed on the MR website, and Roger answered. Call in the morning. If you’re in S. California, the tech at Brooks Berdan Ltd. in Monrovia (a long-time Music Reference retailer) is very familiar with Roger’s designs, and does excellent repairs (he also works on VTL, Jadis, and just about all tube electronics). His name is Tom, and he works on Wednesdays and Saturdays (his fulltime job is as a maintenance/service engineer at a radio or TV station---I forget which!---in L.A.).

dmann201, the email from the MR website is rarely monitored by Roger. If you want to reach us use the following email: tubeaudiostore@gmail.com.

Just seeing this (by now 15 month-old) thread. I hope someone will see this reply.

I actually own 2 RM9s (the original model). I got them used (perfect condition) in late '80s. Used 1 for 3 years; never actually used the other. Both have EL34s; 1 also has KT88s. 

~'89 I paid Roger to modify both amps by making each of the 4 power tubes triode/pentode switchable (these are 4 physical switches). Once i heard the RM9 in triode I never went back to pentode. It was kind of funny...I loved the pentode sound, was never dissatisfied in the least. But when I heard triode (so rich/dimensional/3D), there was no going back.

In 1991 I moved to a house that would not accommodate my rather large audio system. So these 2 RM9s (as well as a VTL Ultimate preamp & Vandersteen 4s) have been in a closet ever since.

Does anyone have a clue what either of these RM9s would be worth? One of these days I have to do something about this stuff...

the Vandy 4 are probably a local pickup only type sale as shipping those beasts will be serious trucking €
parts are for the most part unobtainable also....I see people trying to get $600-$800 every now and then

@desktopguy - You did not mention if your RM-9s were Mk I or Mk II. I’ll speak with Roger, but you may have the only ones with the triode/pentode switch. That could push the price up a bit. Realistically, these amps generally go for $1500 - $2000 depending on condition. Those refurbished by Roger generally fetch $500 or so more. Given their age there could be some minor servicing needed (power supply caps mainly) but otherwise these are extremely reliable amps. We have many customers that have owned them since the 80’s.

Disclaimer - I work for Roger/Music Reference