My Music Reference RM9 is down and beyond repair. I'm devestated as it has been the heart of my system through so many changes. My system is- Lexicon RT 20/ Cal Audio Alpa- VPI Scout Master/ Soundsmith Carmen- Jadis DPL- RM9- Dynaudio C1 model 2's, all high end cardas cable. Any suggestions from those that know? The RM9 had really sweet mids and while a tube amp, never sounded overly soft like many I've heard. Thanks for your help, fellow fanatics/ addicts.
clio09, believe it or not, I'm just now seeing your reply.
I hate that these 2 amazing RM-9s (both v1, both modded by Roger to be triode/pentode switchable on each output tube) sitting in a closet gather dust for decades. I'd love to sell them--but also no doubt they need some updating (beyond me).
Are you on the East coast? Do you know anyone on the east coast who can do this? I'm thinking the caps should be replaced, testing of tubes (they won't go bad, but still); maybe update the binding post to WBTs or something like that.
@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.
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
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...
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.).
I'v been trying to email Music Reference for awhile with the address on the website with no response. I need repairs done to my RM 5 mk iii, anyone have updated contact info?
Really not that much to these amps transformer, caps, resistors and Roger can fix them or I can.
See if you can find an old Lafayette KT-550 power amp. Have a tech change the tubes to EL34 power tubes and be done with all of this. The change to the EL34 tubes is basically the tube socket wires are moved and re-bias the amp.
Second option is to find an old Counterpoint hybrid power amp that has been modified. If not modified, I can do that also. Great driving power and sweetish sounding amps.
The RM-9 MkII that is listed on this site for $2600 is a great deal and worth stretching your budget for. It started out life as a MkI but Roger went all out to update it to a MkII. If it makes any difference we will honor the warranty on that amp. We also worked on pdreher’s amp, which we thought would be a lost cause but Roger put his expertise to good use in getting that amp back to spec at a modest cost.
If as you say you blew a transformer you’re out of luck (curious how that happened, it's difficult to do on that amp), otherwise Roger can fix most anything that is wrong with that amp.
Thanks all, for the input. Chazro, congrats on being an Rm9 owner, its an incredibly powerful and musical tube amp. The left channel transformer is cooked.
Along the same vintage as the RM-9, the Berning EA-2100 supposed to be an incredible sounding amp and the tubes are very conservatively run as well. I remember reading a review of this amp in TAS or Absolute Sound back in the day, very neutral, quiet, and transparent sounding. I've seen them pop up from time to time.
I'm also an owner or an RM9. I'm curious, when you say it's 'beyond repair', what happened!? Depending on the extant of the necessary repairs, my 1st step if my RM9 were to fail would be to call Roger Modjeski at Ram Labs to find out about getting it repaired!
You might want to check out class-D offerings from the likes of NuPrime, Merrill Audio, or Wyred 4 Sound. Class-D generally gives you more watts per dollar.
I recently purchased a NuPrime IDA-16 200 watt dac/amp integrated and have been extremely pleased with it.
Its bad timing for me, I'm hoping that I don't gave to spend much more than $2,000.00. I've been very satisfied with my system for many years, and dont really know whats out there. Audiotroy, I have considered a solid state amp., the dyns are power hungry. Like you said, the Jadis is quite full in the mids- bugle boys worked well for me. Back when I followed audio gear, Krell and Levenson were putting out highly rated amps. Any ideas on a musical solid state amp at this price range, used?
As has been said above, there is an RM-9 Mk.2 on Audiogon right now at an asking price of $2600. If you don't need the RM-9's 125w/ch, Music Reference has a real nice 35w/ch amp, the RM-10 Mk.2. Also the 100w/ch RM-200 Mk.2, with a bipolar input stage and tube driver and output stages.
I'm sorry for not being clear on this, I'm in search of an amplifier that will drive my dyns, looking for someone familiar with a Music Reference RM9. I had a CJ PV12 and it sounded way too lush and tubey. Thank you for the suggestions, I do appreciate them.
Hi Hifiman, just a pun. Any audiophile knows how the obsession can grab you. A/B ing countless hours of tube rolling the same passage to find that perfect signal only to find its non existent, and it's just what suits you!
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