Did you contact Steve McCormack directly?
IMHO... for the extreme cost of repair you can buy a new unit for less that has modern advancements that will outperform it. For example, modern volume controls are far superior.
McCormack ALD-1 repair
I have a McCormack ALD-1 in need of repair. I reached out to Conrad-Johnson, who claim on their website to repair McCormack, and received the reply that they no longer do so. Right channel is limping and their is evident heat damage on a board. The resistor color codes cannot be read. My go-to local tech cannot repair it, especially with no schematics. I hate to relegate this sweet pre to use as a beautiful boat anchor. Does anyone know of a business who does repair work on said unit?
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+1 @gdaddy1 SMcAudio will be straight with you. If you like the sound of your pre and send it in to be repaired you might inquire about their mods as they’re known to make big improvements. Just something to consider. |
I was a longtime owner of Steve McCormack’s great DNA-1 Deluxe amp, which I used for 15 years. I considered getting his ALD line stage, and ended up with the Reference Line Preeminence One, which was said to be as good as the McCormack passive. I never A-B’d them, but I loved this Ref Line and never wanted to part with it. Maybe it is time? I have a preamp with gain and will continue to. I’m not posting it here for sale, so ADMINS, don’t spank me! Post something here @edwin4 if you like, and I’ll decide whether to list it. I just shot photos of it. PD
BTW, this is a true passive line stage...FWIW. No a/c power.
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Thanks all for your advice. Last night Patrick called me from SMc Audio and we talked at length. He told me they do not repair the ALD-1 and explained in detail why they do not. What they could do (and have done with other ALD-1's) is gut the chassis and build a TLC-2. I do not yet know the cost but will find out. Alternatively they could buy the preamp for its copper plated chassis and I can pursue another avenue for a new/used preamp. @patrickdowns, is your pre the TLC-1? |
Dear @edwin4 No it is not. See my post above. Mine is a very comparable if not better unit called a Reference Line Preeminence One. Sorry they cannot fix your unit, but Patrick is a good guy and very helpful and they'll do what they can. |