Music Reference RM9 - user comments please

I use to own an RM9 and regret selling it. I had the Mark I version which was rated at 100watts per channel, the Mark II is good for 125watts per channel. I used it to power Magnepan IIIA (84dB) and perferred a full set of 6550 from RAM because of their bass control, otherwise this same amp with EL34's is a little warmer. Keep in mind the RM9 is a Singled ended design and has no balanced inputs (not a big deal) unless you have a preamp and cables already. The RM200 is Balanced and has single ended adapters.

Roger of RAM provided excellent support, this is a really easy amp to bias as it has LED indicators on the amp and trip pots next to each quad of output tubes and two for the input tubes. So you don't have to use a voltmeter to BIAS! Once I got a great matched set from RAM it was set it and forget it.

There is also someone selling an RM200 (latest version) right now on audiogon that I would consider. This amp uses only 4 output instead of 8 output tubes and make retubing cheaper but then again the RM9 is really easy on tubes.

This amp is not a TUBEY Sounding amp also, it provide the micro/macro dynamics of a tube but is very neutral.

Regards,
Chris Roberts

I have owned 3 of these. Every time I sold it, I would miss it and buy another. I have currently owned my last one for approx. 6 years with not an ounce of trouble. These amps are built to last and do run hot as they are biased heavily into class A up to about 20 watts. If you can afford it , go for the mk2. better midrange and fuses for each output tube. Otherwise, get your feet wet and go for the mk1. Best tube is the EL-34, which is the tube Modjestky designed around. Will drive TSM's without even breathing hard. I would contact Bobby first though. He might reccomend something different and less powerful.

Thanks guys for the feedback. Having 8 power tubes in the mk1 do make me consider. It will be rather costly to replace 2 sets of quad pairs of tubes. While still waiting for Bobby's reply on the amp, keep hunting.