I have burned two units while connecting a pre-amplifier output to the power amplifier input . Unfortunately the pre was in standby mode but the amp was actually on. There was a short on the chassis of the amp. Of course with the best outcome none of them could have been damaged, or just one of them could have been damaged, but in my case the worst scenario has happened. Be careful while connecting cables - assure that everything is shut down before starting.
What has been your costliest mistake in this hobby?
For example :I recently learned a hard lesson- I accidentally ran voltage thru my $3000 MC cartridge (kiseki purple heart). I have a TT with 5 prong connector and a phono cable with a 5 prong connector. I accidentally swapped where they plugged into and ran electric thru the tonearm into the cartridge. It was a stupid - not thinking- hasty mistake. When I corrected the problem the cartridge was fried. An avalanche of four letter words followed!
So what has been your biggest and/or costliest mistake?
So what has been your biggest and/or costliest mistake?