Always sorry to hear about an audio tragedy. We've all been there.
IMHO the RM-9 is well worth fixing & keeping. I built a big bad 2-channel system around one in the late '80s. Loved that sound.
I still have two RM-9s in storage. I had Roger convert each to triode-switchable (w/a pentode-triode switch installed adjacent to each output tube). Hearing this amp in all triode mode is still one of my greatest audio experiences.
I'm sure "better" tube amps are out now (including those made by Music Reference). But I would happily go back to the RM-9 if I had a big living room system again.
And for what it's worth, I never changed a fuse on either RM-9. Kind of surprised to read about that...
IMHO the RM-9 is well worth fixing & keeping. I built a big bad 2-channel system around one in the late '80s. Loved that sound.
I still have two RM-9s in storage. I had Roger convert each to triode-switchable (w/a pentode-triode switch installed adjacent to each output tube). Hearing this amp in all triode mode is still one of my greatest audio experiences.
I'm sure "better" tube amps are out now (including those made by Music Reference). But I would happily go back to the RM-9 if I had a big living room system again.
And for what it's worth, I never changed a fuse on either RM-9. Kind of surprised to read about that...