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Acquiring an SWR SM-900, reasonable?

#101
baxter_x said:
I totally agree with both of you. That's exactly what I was planning to do. However, the seller is someone I personally know. So he's not a random guy, and I know he's a honest person.
He would have been a random guy, I would have given up.
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It’s not necessarily the seller you have to worry about, it’s the tech and their qualifications/ability.
 
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#103
baxter_x said:
To those still following this thread I might have found one.
It was bought on eBay back in 2008, brand new, and converted to 220v after. Since the conversion the fan is always on.
I'm trying to figure out what version is it, hoping it's one of the latest Fender made.
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I believe the Fender acquisition of SWR was in the 2003 time frame and they shut down operations about 10 years later. A new SWR head in 2008 would most likely have been made during the Fender ownership days unless it was NOS. @agedhorse worked at Fender and would likely have a more definitive answer.
 
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#105
One thing I forgot to mention was a little discussion on FB with Andy Irvine who has to service his SM900 from 92 that failed on him .
I asked him if he could have the amp repaired and he told me yes, without any issues, since all parts are still available as it's "industry standard that everyone uses".
My guess is he got lucky neither the transformer neither the power transistors failed. He might have changed his point of view.

Since he could service his very old version of his amp, that decided me to get one.
 
#106
The guy just gave me a feedback. It hasn't been used for 5 years:
- Slight crackling sound when powered on
- Slight whistling when connected to the stereo output
- Very loud when connected to the bridge output
There is sound in all cases.

So the amp needs to be checked. However, it's the version with dual fans, which is good news.
 
#108
baxter_x said:
@agedhorse may I have your opinion of that case?
Do you think the amp could be easily fixed?
Since the amp hasn't been used for 5 years, could that simply be some corrosion?

Thanks
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Maybe, but maybe not. No way to know for sure without a thorough diagnostic evaluation by a qualified tech.
 
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#110
baxter_x said:
I take that in account and the amp is a bargain. So even if something wrong happens and it's impossible to service, I won't lose too much money on that.
I see many SM-900 from the 90's still selling on the used market, or people still using it. Si I guess it's a reliable amp. If I can use mine for the next 20 years I consider I can take the risk.
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Expecting 20 years from a used amp is a big IF.
 
#112
baxter_x said:
I was expecting that answer. Thanks for your feedback anyway, I'll use that argument to negotiate the lowest possible price.
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By sure you are ok with a total loss in the event that it can’t be economically repaired.
 
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#116
baxter_x said:
@agedhorse what seem to amaze you? The price or the fact I'm willing to take the risk?
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That you are willing to take the risk at that price.

Even though I have the parts (not a lot anymore) and the experience/documentation/resources in-house to fix one, it's way too expensive for me. That's just my opinion, I'm not you.
 
#117
agedhorse said:
That you are willing to take the risk at that price.

Even though I have the parts (not a lot anymore) and the experience/documentation/resources in-house to fix one, it's way too expensive for me. That's just my opinion, I'm not you.
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Don't forget that I'm in Europe. Prices are usually higher than in the USA for amps made there. But yes, I'm making a bet and taking some risk.
I did the same with a bad sounding M-Pulse 600 that I could try. I made the bet it was just the tubes. So I bought the amp for a very low price. I swapped the tubes and magic happened: the amp didn't make anymore weird noises.

About the fact you still have some experience with it, I'd like to have the privilege to send you the amp, but from Europe I guess that would make things a bit difficult, risky and expensive for me.

The seller won't send the amp, we will meet next time je comes to Paris. But that will be around February.
So I still have time to think about it....
 

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