Anyone talked to Dean from PSE?


Has anyone got a hold of Dean from PSE? I sent a set of Studio MK V amps in for repair over a year ago. I spoke to him quite a few times and he always told me he was just getting to them. Now over the last two months I have not been able to get a hold of him. His phone number was disconnected and sent to a new number. I get his answering machine every time I call. I leave messages every time but he has not got back to me. Did he go out of business?
Ag insider logo xs@2xpal
If there is anyone still reading this thread, a point to make on Dean's product is that he uses common parts where possible so repair is possible down he road, unlike some who design with rare parts ensuring a boat anchor in the future. My PSE Studio IV has the IEC upgrade, internal AQ midnight cable, and Cardas Rhodium posts. The sound is unbeatable for the price. I also hope he rethinks starting his business again. The hi-end can always use quality products. Service may be another matter. I recently had a friend measure the Studio SL preamp on his bench and we were both shocked to see that it was ruler flat from 5hz to 100khz...within 0.5db, and the distortion was 0.004%! These were real numbers, not printed numbers which don't have to be accurate. Finding a preamp with 0.00 numbers is not very common. Many have distortion of 0.1% and this is not even at rated power, causing smeared images, muted dynamics etc. Making 100khz is important because in order to reproduce perfect square waves at 20khz, you need the preamp to be flat at 100khz. Good job Dean. Stay around....
Jallen
Yes it probably was one of the most frustrating experiences I've gone through.

But the amps sound even better as they burn in. Dean said he did not use some 'super parts' which were not as important to the sound as the upgrade and which could be easily changed later, meaning by someone else locally. He just wanted to get them back asap after I had gotten his attention. I did offer to pay - he had quoted a figure of over $100 (each?) - but he said he would cover the expense.

For the record I am not a tweaky guy, I just want to listen to good music. System, short version: LP12, Grado, Magnum Dyna, Meridian 508, ARC, A.Physic, XLO These amps are much better than the B&K 200w (model ?) my neighbour graciously lent me; and are as nearly/or as good but different than the Pass aleph 30 also from my neighbour (thanks again Bob!) They definately run cooler than the Pass which can double as a space heater in winter.

So, in the end, I think Dean is a good guy. He's not the best communicator or empathizer and most of his considerable grey matter is in the engineering dept. In my case, procrastination stems from perfectionism and maybe that's part of it. Or maybe not.

Thanks to the Audiogon community for your support and comments.

George
Hello,
I spoke to Dean K from PSE today...April 3rd 2007. The thread posted by Jellison on 5-2-2005 is still very accurate...please read it.
Dean is currently semi-retired from the audio business, but he might re-introduce his PSE products at a later date.
Just to reiterate, my experience with Dean has always been very professional and he is one of the "best people" in the audio business.
Most of your better high end shops should be able to service PSE gear. I would recommend going through your local repair shop first, before trying to contact Dean.
Thanks,