advice needed: resurrect eden wt800 or move on?

[damien gonzalez]

Hi all,

this has been an amazingly useful resource and i'm hoping for some assisitance. I have a doa eden wt-800 head that has both power output modules have shorted output transistors. Repairing it will require replacing both transistors, drivers, and a few resistors on each module. Estimated cost is around 400.00. Looking at Craigslist there are a couple options for replacement amp heads like a markbass little mark tube 800 and a portaflex 800 for around 100.00 more than the cost of repairs.

while i loved my eden i'm wondering if it's worth fixing or not. it does weigh a ton and the newer heads are much lighter. Is this like asking if it's worth restoring the vintage ferrari vs opting for a more modern porsche?

the repair guy commented on how the new class D amplifiers aren't really repairable like the hybrid amps and all tube models are.

btw i was running the amp in bridged mono mode into the eden 410xlt for most of its life. not sure if i caused the destruction of the head or it was just time for it to go.

any and all feedback and advice is welcome!

 

[JimChjones]

...like asking if it's worth restoring the vintage ferrari vs opting for a more modern porsche?

Kind of yes, except your using the car for everyday transport and you wouldn't want to do that with a vintage Ferrari!
But happily amps are smaller than cars and it doesn't cost you to keep a second amp...
The question I suppose is whether other stuff is likely to go on the amp in future and it's going to be expensive to run or no. Is that predictable people?

 

[S-Bigbottom]

the repair guy commented on how the new class D amplifiers aren't really repairable like the hybrid amps and all tube models are.

They are not as "easy" to replace parts as with old tube amps but can still be repaired.

This is like an Automotive Mechanic that only services cars pre 90's because they became more complicated than he wants to deal with, so he bad mouths them calling them unserviceable. Yet many Mechanics are servicing and repairing cars that are only three years old all the time. It is the biggest market for a Mechanic.

He just needs the updated skills, tools and attitude for the job.

 

[jdthebassman]

I would go with a quilter bass block 800

 

[Wasnex]

Hi all,

this has been an amazingly useful resource and i'm hoping for some assisitance. I have a doa eden wt-800 head that has both power output modules have shorted output transistors. Repairing it will require replacing both transistors, drivers, and a few resistors on each module. Estimated cost is around 400.00. Looking at Craigslist there are a couple options for replacement amp heads like a markbass little mark tube 800 and a portaflex 800 for around 100.00 more than the cost of repairs.

while i loved my eden i'm wondering if it's worth fixing or not. it does weigh a ton and the newer heads are much lighter. Is this like asking if it's worth restoring the vintage ferrari vs opting for a more modern porsche?

the repair guy commented on how the new class D amplifiers aren't really repairable like the hybrid amps and all tube models are.

btw i was running the amp in bridged mono mode into the eden 410xlt for most of its life. not sure if i caused the destruction of the head or it was just time for it to go.

any and all feedback and advice is welcome!

That sounds like a pretty major melt down. One concern is repairs don't always hold, so you may spend the money only for the amp to melt down again if the technician doesn't catch something. I have never worked on an Eden amp, so I have no idea how difficult they are to service. Something to keep in mind if you get the amp fixed is there are multiple versions of the WT800 (a,b,c). I believe the "a" version could only be bridged down to 8 ohms, but later ones were safe to 4 ohms.

The other thing to consider is how much you love the amp and whether you can easily replace it with something else. If you really love the sound, spend the cash to repair the amp. Otherwise find an amp you like better and move on. Plenty of used Edens on the market.

 

[MordBass]

That sounds like a pretty major melt down. One concern is repairs don't always hold, so you may spend the money only for the amp to melt down again if the technician doesn't catch something. I have never worked on an Eden amp, so I have no idea how difficult they are to service. Something to keep in mind if you get the amp fixed is there are multiple versions of the WT800 (a,b,c). I believe the "a" version could only be bridged down to 8 ohms, but later ones were safe to 4 ohms.

The other thing to consider is how much you love the amp and whether you can easily replace it with something else. If you really love the sound, spend the cash to repair the amp. Otherwise find an amp you like better and move on. Plenty of used Edens on the market.

If the size of the unit isnt important to you.... about $300ish can get you a Used WP100 Preamp from eden that you can then pair with whichever power amp you choose. Its definitely the Eden tone with more options than anything else.

 

[agedhorse]

Hi all,

this has been an amazingly useful resource and i'm hoping for some assisitance. I have a doa eden wt-800 head that has both power output modules have shorted output transistors. Repairing it will require replacing both transistors, drivers, and a few resistors on each module. Estimated cost is around 400.00. Looking at Craigslist there are a couple options for replacement amp heads like a markbass little mark tube 800 and a portaflex 800 for around 100.00 more than the cost of repairs.

while i loved my eden i'm wondering if it's worth fixing or not. it does weigh a ton and the newer heads are much lighter. Is this like asking if it's worth restoring the vintage ferrari vs opting for a more modern porsche?

the repair guy commented on how the new class D amplifiers aren't really repairable like the hybrid amps and all tube models are.

btw i was running the amp in bridged mono mode into the eden 410xlt for most of its life. not sure if i caused the destruction of the head or it was just time for it to go.

any and all feedback and advice is welcome!

The question about if the amp is worth repairing is something that you will have to decide for yourself... is it worth it to YOU. You might also verify that the repair has a warranty, if not then I would be VERY wary.

As far as class D amps nor being repairable, sorry your tech is full of crap on this. While generally the power amp module is not "repaired at the component level", it' is generally easy to replace for a competent tech who understands diagnostics.

As an example, I just repaired a 900 watt class D amp for a forum member that needed a new power module. The total cost of the repair was $300 INCLUDING shipping and 90 day warranty, that's over $100 less than your tech's estimate to repair your "repairable" amp.

 

[Sparky Mark]

I would put the $400 towards a new head or a second hand Eden that is still in good condition. All things come to an end sometime and putting money into an old piece of electronics might only keep it going until the next component reaches end of life. Once I realised which particular amps I preferred I simply bought a few spares cheaply secondhand so I wouldn't need to have them repaired when the time comes. I see a lot of excellent condition Eden amps popping up for less than $400.

 

[damien gonzalez]

thanks all for your thoughts! i did love the amp very much though at this point i'm also interested in moving on. Yes, i think the repair person favors tradition and it's easier for them to work on vintage gear. I picked the wt-800 originally because it was my "plug in and play" sound. I'm also open to embracing new technologies and evolution (without falling for the latest trends i hope). I'm also a gemini and thus terrible at making decisions...

The thought of having a lighter, smaller rig is very attractive as well, though it's really all about the sound (thank god i haven't played through an ampeg svt-cl with 8x10 lately)

 

[agedhorse]

I find it kind of funny that techs think it's easier and faster to work on "vintage" gear, yet struggle with achieving reasonable turnaround times. Every repair that I do involving the "newfangled" class D amps is 48 hour turnaround time, so I don't see how their argument holds water. Call me puzzled...

 

[damien gonzalez]

it's been quite the ordeal finding a repair person to work on this amp. there's been a roadblock about not having access to the schematic unless it's given to the repair person by marshall (who bought eden a while back). funny, i found it online no problem so i suspect someone was being lazy and didn't want the business...

 

[Zooberwerx]

Got a similar situation here. A local chap has a non-functioning (no sound) WT800 for $75 OBO. The thing lights up and the fan spins so I'm hoping the preamp section works at least. I can line-out to a cast-off lead sled and use it in our rehearsal space. Per the manual, the suggested line-out is the headphone output as it falls post-EQ and post-master volume.

Riis

 

[agedhorse]

If the power amp doesn't work, its also possible that the headphone out doesn't work.

The more common output to use is the effect send which on most amps is post eq and pre master volume. Use the input level control on the power amp as the master volume.

 

[MoPro]

Got a similar situation here. A local chap has a non-functioning (no sound) WT800 for $75 OBO. The thing lights up and the fan spins so I'm hoping the preamp section works at least...
Riis

Sorry I'm late to the party... but, keep reading the manual because I remember reading that you can blow the fuse for the mains, but the preamp and DI will still function. The way you tell is if the DC/Mains indicator is lit... It is the little light right next to the power switch. If it is not lit, check the fuse.
Al

 

[agedhorse]

Sorry I'm late to the party... but, keep reading the manual because I remember reading that you can blow the fuse for the mains, but the preamp and DI will still function. The way you tell is if the DC/Mains indicator is lit... It is the little light right next to the power switch. If it is not lit, check the fuse.
Al

You have remembered incorrectly.

The AC mains fuse is in line with the line terminal of the IEC inlet, so what you remember is impossible in both theory and in practice.

 

[Analogeezer]

The question about if the amp is worth repairing is something that you will have to decide for yourself... is it worth it to YOU. You might also verify that the repair has a warranty, if not then I would be VERY wary.

As far as class D amps nor being repairable, sorry your tech is full of crap on this. While generally the power amp module is not "repaired at the component level", it' is generally easy to replace for a competent tech who understands diagnostics.

As an example, I just repaired a 900 watt class D amp for a forum member that needed a new power module. The total cost of the repair was $300 INCLUDING shipping and 90 day warranty, that's over $100 less than your tech's estimate to repair your "repairable" amp.

I think in general when a tech says this (Class D are not repairable) this is what they really mean. You just swap out the entire board for another one because it is not economically viable (and maybe not even possible) to repair at the component level.

The good news is unlike say a Porsche PDK transmission (supposedly these are not rebuilt or repaired, they are replaced) it doesn't cost five figures.

Analogeezer

 

[agedhorse]

Actually, many do mean that the amps can’t be repaired and to just toss the amp. That’s because they are under-skilled as technicians.

 

[SJan3]

thanks all for your thoughts! i did love the amp very much though at this point i'm also interested in moving on. Yes, i think the repair person favors tradition and it's easier for them to work on vintage gear. I picked the wt-800 originally because it was my "plug in and play" sound. I'm also open to embracing new technologies and evolution (without falling for the latest trends i hope). I'm also a gemini and thus terrible at making decisions...

The thought of having a lighter, smaller rig is very attractive as well, though it's really all about the sound (thank god i haven't played through an ampeg svt-cl with 8x10 lately)

I used at WT400 for many years. However, I did move on, not because the amp failed, but because I found a newer amp that delivered a sound that I preferred. If you audition some of the new breed of amps you may have the same experience. And the weight savings is no joke. EDEN amps were great for their time but times have changed. I'd advise you to entertain a new Class D unit.

 

[lomo]

IMHO the Eden isn't sonically superior to many current offerings, wonderful though it was. If you want it for nostalgia, have at it, but I wouldn't use the analogy of old Ferrari to new Porsche. I'd say ...old Ferrari vs add some cash for a new Tesla or Ferrari or 'vette of choice with warranty and evolved features. If I had the choice between the restored Eden or adding 600 for a Mesa WD800 with 5 year warranty, HPF.......at about 1/2 the weight and bulk, or just adding 300 for a Quilter BB802....I'd let the Eden RIP. Just my .02. As others have said, only you can decide what it's worth to you

 

[MoPro]

You have remembered incorrectly.

The AC mains fuse is in line with the line terminal of the IEC inlet, so what you remember is impossible in both theory and in practice.

You are right (that I remembered incorrectly). What is in the manual that I mis-represented, has to do with the cooling system... in that the DI will still function during the event of a thermal shutdown, and that you will only lose your stage sound! Sorry for the mis-information, and confusion on my part!

Al