Audio Research Sp-6a up in smoke


Well, my housemate woke me up yesterday, "There's a fire."
White smoke had filled the stereo cabinet. Unusually, I had left the preamp on for 3 days. The smoke stopped quickly.

Was this a catastrophic failure or just the old capacitors giving up? I have a Bedini 25/25 driving Kef 103-2's.

Should I send it Steve Huntley Northern Sound for a refurb, or do think I should send it to the factory? I'm near Philly and I hear that Bob Backert at RHB Sound Design is a genius.

Or, is it so old that I should think about something else? It gave a sweet, woody sound to the music.

Regards,
Miles
milesd77

Showing 2 responses by thorman

Collect from your home owners insurance first..I did.Same situation with a Sp8..Christmas morning we had a telephone pole transformer blew up next to my house and it took out my Audio Research sp8..While playing..Smoke everywhere...Recieved $1800 ( replacement value ) from insurance company and got to keep the unit...$400 repaired good as new ..No questions asked..Hope you had insurance???
FYI : I was told by my insurance person that it would be covered even with just a power surge..As long as there was smoke or fire damage the piece would be covered..Ask for info on a " Rider " on you insurance for Replacement cost...Its only a few bucks a year extra..Well worth the miniscule amount of extra money.......This should be pretty much standard procedure for anyone with there own home and electronic toys...Hope that helps........