2. misc-audio
  3. 1126547752

Post-Katrina salvage of audio gear and software

First, I consider myself fortunate to have made it out of our downtown New Orleans hotel-shelter with my elderly parents and Brittany spaniel. I am very grateful to the hotel staff, national guard, friends, family and kind strangers I have encountered along the way. I also want to thank the audiogoners who have made and encouraged contributions to Katrina relief efforts. My home in the Lakeview section of New Orleans was inundated with aproximately 10 feet of brackish water after the levee adjacent to the 17st Street Canal broke on August 29th. Inside was enough gear for two tube-based and one solid state system. At present, it is unclear when I will be allowed to return to inspect damage. What should I and others similarly situated do with our audio equipment and software? I am thinking that we should consider all the audio gear a total loss with the possible exception of the cables. Any thoughts about this matter and what we should do with our vinyl and CD collections would be much appreciated. David
mrwigglewm

Showing 1 response by gordus

gordus
118 posts
 
Hello David,

First, my thoughts and prayers are with you and all those about you!

It may be a long shot, but the electronics may be salvageable. I'm not too sure, but since the components are air tight then they should be water tight also. Dismantle as much as possible and flush out all the silt and salt with plenty of fresh water. Use reagent grade methanol or isopropyl alcohol to flush/rinse out the water and blow dry with canned air. Water damage should clean up far easier than heat and smoke damage I would expect!!! Once the units are cleaned up you can decide whether sending them back to the manufacturer(s) for inspection/repair is worthwhile...

Don't give up hope just yet!!!
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