I am the original owner of a 40 year old AudioResearch D51...pristine condition EXCEPT no maintenence but for some tube replacements...now that I have new speakers [KEF LS50] and preamp [Quicksilver line preamp] I realize sound is suboptimal!?...base dry and less tight, slight hum one channel, complex passages slight distortion....AudioResearch says that rebuild (mostly power supply cap job and new tubes)could be up to $2500 with shipping...as is for sale perhaps could get $1000....What to do???? how good would a rebuild be vs starting over? $2500 is not right now affordable...anything to really recommend amplifier in 1-2 thousand$ range that you love better?....I am open to all suggestions.....thanks, Chet
I am the original owner of a 40 year old AudioResearch D51...pristine condition EXCEPT no maintenence but for some tube replacements...now that I have new speakers [KEF LS50] and preamp [Quicksilver line preamp] I realize sound is suboptimal!?...base dry and less tight, slight hum one channel, complex passages slight distortion....AudioResearch says that rebuild (mostly power supply cap job and new tubes)could be up to $2500 with shipping...as is for sale perhaps could get $1000....What to do???? how good would a rebuild be vs starting over? $2500 is not right now affordable...anything to really recommend amplifier in 1-2 thousand$ range that you love better?....I am open to all suggestions.....thanks, Chet