I bought this unit and a Senn HD580 from Bozeman in Dec. '93 after reading the Jan '94 Stereophile article which made me an "early adopter."
I'm not exactly sure what broke but one channel is now dead. I haven't poked inside nor considered sending it in for repair as I sure its way beyond the point where further investment makes economic sense. Normally I'd feel good about getting almost 14 years use out of a component. I've had equipment that has lasted far longer as well as stuff that died in its youth. Bottom line here is that I'm sad that I no longer have this amp to enjoy despite it having been long eclipsed technologically.
When I found the unit couldn't be upgraded a few years ago I was disappointed. That said the folks at Headroom at that time did offer me a significant discount on newer, more expensive, amps, which was appreciated. But such an upgrade wasn't in the cards for me. Not quite sure what I'm going to do at this point either.... probably simply use the inexpensive LDM+ I have and leave it at that. I recently retired and had hoped that the equipment I now possess would see me through. I know.... That's a rather naive but.... Ah well..........
You've got some free time... have you considered picking up a soldering iron? On one hand, you might be able to fix your amp. On the other, you can build and service your own tube amp. DIY audio is very rewarding and fun, too. Wish I had the time to get to everything I want to build.
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UNCLE ERIK Vinyl, Tubes & Grado
Orbe SE -> SME IV -> Fi Yph -> Zana Deux -> RS-1, HP-2, K-1000, HD-650, HD-600, K-501, DT48
If you'd like to send me the amp I'd be happy to take a look at it, no charge. If parts are required that'd be all you would pay for. Bear in mind, I'm not headroom tech, just a hack w/ an iron.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrarroyo
14 Years is a dawg on good service life!
Well, not really, I bet our current units will be running 30 years pretty easy. But that vintage machine was probably built by me! I'm surprised it lasted this long. Tell you what, Bob, let me go around the horn one more time on the upgrade thing. I really can't believe it can't be done. Every time I ask, I always get the answer that it's a no-go, but I just don't believe it.
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OK, Bob. That era has potted modules, so even Nate wouldn't be able to get in there. And it is a module that has a different number of pins than our current module, so there isn't a drop in replacement that we can do. But!
We've been running our trade-in program for a while, and have a small pile of old Supremes and Cosmics. Mike Olsen is the master of that domain, and his comment on your situation is, "Hey, we've got some options here." So, I suggest you give us a call at 1-800-828-8184 and ask for Mike (10:30am to 6:30pm Mountain time). I'm pretty sure you and he can work something out.
Wow! I certainly appreciate all the offers and suggestions. Yeah, I've wielding an iron in the past when I had a solid diagnosis and a remedy within my capabilities. Even built some stuff w-a-y back when (Marshall Leach low TIM preamp, Dynaco and Heathkit gear, etc.). More recently I modded my Maggies and built a SUT. But frankly trying to fix the Supreme is beyond me.
Tyll, I'll give Mike a call Monday. When I said one channel is dead I oversimplified. One channel's output is appreciably less, approaching inaudible, which had me mentally ruling out in/out jacks, etc., instead figuring something in the guts died on one side. Anyhow the notion of mining the old trade-ins for a working replacement here certainly portends interesting possibilities. Thank you sir!
Wow in an age where most service is farmed out or on a 90 day window I am amazed beyond words with Headrooms response. Tyl and company major kudos to you guys
My original Headroom Supreme finally died
I'm surprised it lasted this long. Tell you what, Bob, let me go around the horn one more time on the upgrade thing. I really can't believe it can't be done. Every time I ask, I always get the answer that it's a no-go, but I just don't believe it. 
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