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In my view, probably No. 2





PHOTO: A rusty Rohde & Schwarz EMS Broadcast monitor

DMR,

This is difficult to call as we don't know the extent of the damage and operational problems of the No. 1 amplifier.

From the information provided, my inclination- as a technically challenged Bambi, would be to buy the later, operational unit- provided it hasn't been knocked about sufficiently to affect it's usability. I expect the $700 "savings" could be plenty to have the faceplate replaced if the cosmetics bother you. For example, a new Audio Research faceplate might be $200 and you can replace it yourself in half an hour. You may be able to treat the metal enclosure like a car body and if necessary replace or straighten/repair/paint it. And even after the cost of cosmetic restoration, there may still be something left to solve technical issues or even upgrade selected components- nicer tubes for example.

A bit difficult to judge because of the important unknowns- one may have all new tubes while the other needs all new tubes, but I'd lean towards the amplifier you could use right away and then you may take time to resolve the items that bother you.

I posted the photo of a rusty Rohde & Schwartz tuner as an example of the concept of pursuing the superior model of gear with the prospect of the finished sound quality than something prettier. For example, because of the potential I would prefer this working R&S - which sold for $900 as-is to a beautiful but unusable Marantz 10B with burned components for $1,400,..

Cheers,

Bambi B




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  • In my view, probably No. 2 - Bambi B 07/5/0905:29:51 07/5/09 (0)

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