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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
donvito
400 posts
 
I’ve owned many amps over the years and have never had to replace a fuse. You would be better off getting another amp and putting that one into your spares closet!
mahler123
3,310 posts
 
I understand the emotion of the OP, but when calms down, I would suggest:
1) Go solid state-no tubes to break, bias, etc.
2) If Physical Media is getting to be to much, move it to a server
3) Investigate Streaming Services-with Quobuz, now there will be at least two High Rez services to choose from.
  Remember that you got into this hobby because you love Music and love hearing it reproduced faithfully.  There are lots of ways to do this on a retiree income and with less stress.
  And yes, we have all made stupid, expensive mistakes.  No one does this on purpose—they are called accidents for a reason.  Don’t be so hard on yourself 
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
9,788 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
3,033 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? 

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