Tandberg sounds bright.


Just got a Tandberg 3026A 150X2 amp. After letting it run for 24 hours I gave it a critical listen and it just sounds forward and bright. I did have it worked on for a weak solder joint. One channel did drop out again but came back. Anyway, are Tandbergs all forward and bright or is this weak solder joint(and resistor replaced) causing this. I thought this was a very good amp. Comparing to a Bryston 4BSST. The reason I got the Tandberg is I could not afford one years ago and just wanted to own one now and see how it sounds. Any and all replies welcome about any aspects of Tandberg. Mike
128x128blueranger
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.
Edle and Tomryan...Your playback equipment may be tubes, but think about how many transitorized circuits the signal went through before it got onto the CD or LP.
I can't help but notice that the 'people' who wrote: "it's a transistor amp" do not have their systems posted. I wonder why that would be??? Tubes are not inherently better than transistors. It will always be good design, and parts quality that makes a product good, not just tube v SS.

I have had both, and have no plans to return to tubes any time soon. To Edle, and Tom, do you have anything to offer to this discussion?