I had a similar story with my VAC tube preamp and amp. I was the original owner for 25 years. They sat for quite some time before I came back to audio. I got them both repaired at VAC in Sarasota, and both units were down more than operational for 1.5 years. I sold them and got solid state-no regrets either.
Preamp issue
I am having a problem with my preamp would like some feedback/guidance from the members of this forum.
For the past two years my system has been a WIIM Pro to PSAudio Stellar Gain DAC to Backert Labs Rhumba 1.0. preamp to Classe CT2300 amp to Harbeth SHL5 speakers,
System worked fine and I liked the sound. But, then you get the itch. . .
I was interested in trying to an r2r DAC so I purchased a used (one year old) Denafrips Pontius II 12th DAC. Today I swapped out the PSAudio DAC, fired up the system and listened for about 5-10 minutes, then there was a POP in the speakers and the Rhumba preamp went into its mute mode. I shut everything off and restarted the components now have low frequency(100Hz?), low volume, vibrating sound coming out of both speakers. I have swapped out pieces from a second system an definitely isolated the problem to the Rhumba preamp.
I am going to have the pream repaired. But since the Rhumba preamp failed shortly after swapping in the Denafrips DAC-
Could the Denafrips DAC have caused the preamp to fail? How? Was it just coincidence? Should I have the Denafrips tested as well or just return it and find a different r2r unit? Your input will be appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Happy Holidays