Tandberg sounds bright.

Sounds defective if channels are dropping out. Maybe you need to find a different repair shop.

Can't say about the 3026A, but the 3006A power amp is anything BUT bright. Its character is warm and slightly dark. I used this amp in my main system for about 15 years. The 3008A companion pre-amp is slightly bright, so the pair gives a pretty neutral overall sound. In comparison, the 3006A is somewhat darker than the Rowland Model 10 I currently use and quite a bit darker than an Aragon 4004mkII. Its sound is actually quite similar to a Cary V12 tube amp I had on loan, except the Cary had a looser bass. I currently use the 3006A as a subwoofer amp in my home theater where it does an excellent job.

I have been a Tandberg owner for many years of 3002A & 3008A preamps, 3006A, 3026A amplifiers and 3012A intergraded amplifiers, the speakers I use are Soliloquy 5.0 & 6.3. Personally I would describe the sound to be on the warm side, maybe it's the match with the speakers. The downside with the Tandberg equipment, it's starting to reach 20 + years of use and Tandberg doesn't have a authorized repair center anymore and I usually need to ship to a repair center like Soundsmith in NY, to have equipment fixed, my local repair shop are having a hard time finding parts. The shop may substitute with what they have available, this may contribute to the bright sound. Also I have experienced large number of Tandberg units are sold cheaply on E-bay have some kind of problem, noisy volume control on pre-amps or a pop when the amp is turned on. One shop in Seattle have several customers who bought units and have to fix some problem. Even though I love my Tandberg equipment, I'm starting to replace with newer components, I believe 20-25 years of enjoyment is good value for my investment.

Thanks for your input. I am sending it to another shop.

It's still a transistor amp...