2. amps-preamps
  3. 1038611651

DC Leakage and dealer issues

I was auditioning an amp from a well known Canadian designer. The amp played for 30 seconds and then blew. The designer told me that my preamp must have DC leakage and that the amp has DC protection circiuts. The Spectron Digital amp I also auditioned also kept turning off but did not blow. The other amps I auditioned Pass X-250, Rowland M-112, Plinius 102 and Sonogy Black Knight II, etc., did not have any issues with my BAT preamp. I took my BAT VK-30SE preamp to a dealer who told me he could not find the DC leakage. I wrote to BAT and they told me to measure the output with a volt meter and when I did, I did not get a reading. I returned the amp and received a second amp to audition. BTW, the manufacturer also wanted me to become a NY area dealer if I wanted to accept their offer. The second amp keeps turning off after 5-10 minutes of play, again they are telling me DC leakage. I have advised them that I do not want the amp and that I am sending it back for a full refund. The manufacturer now wants me to pay $400 repair costs for the first amp that blew up plus their customs fees. That would mean that it will cost me $830 (including my shipping and customs fees) to audition a $2200 amp. Boy am I pissed off.

What do you think I should do? I still have to ship the second amp back.

All comments welcome.

Peter
bigkidz

Showing 1 response by bigkidz

bigkidz OP
3,426 posts
 
Sean & Zaikesman,

Thanks for your replies. I can always count on both of you to give honest opinions even if someone does not agree with them. I emailed the same thing to the designer about why I should pay the repair and how come the second amp did not blow the fuses and cause any damages. The second amp keeps turning off after 5-10 minutes but has not blown any fuses. The problem is I sent my check and they can return a check to me in any amount they want. I have learned a big lesson here and I probably will never consider another company without checking out their customer relations, custmer polieies and will probably lean towards USA companies in the future.

Bob Crump told me to replace the tubes and that he feels I will never be able to detect a burping tube that may be on its way out. He had a similiar experience with one of his JC-1 amps and a reviewer with a BAT VK-30.

How do you tell if a tube is going bad and how much damage can happen to your system?

Where do I get the best 6H tubes for my BAT?

I will probably post a follow up to the final outcome next week. Should I spill the beans on who it is then?

Thanks

Peter
bigkidz@optonline.net
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