A80 Mk I repair help please

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Ian Trotter
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A80 Mk I repair help please

Unread post by Ian Trotter »

Hello everyone,
After many many years of lovely sonic service, I've now got at least one of my precious amps that needs a new board (as several components on it have clearly exploded). :cry: Can anyone guide me to a route to find someone that could repair that for me?
Wider background;
I started growing my system back in the 90's with my first P50 plus a pair of A80's that (believe it or not RD built for me with bi-wire outputs, yes the Doc did that on the basis of knowing what speakers they would be used with and the soundpipe cabling used for both interconnects and speakers) are still going strong. I had hours of manipulation on the 'cables' to create parallel runs and perfect radius curves!
Since that early two channel system I expanded into multi-channel and acquired a total of 4 pairs of A80 (some 300/300 transformers and some 300/450) that are used to bi-amp a front trio of speakers and my original ones bi-wired to the rear speakers.
Over and above the amp described above, I have a second amp that isn't functioning (the led light is still operating but the top lid is still sealed so I can't see the circuit board on that one), bless my wife for 'helping' :angry-screaming: to remove some equipment to allow redecoration. I suspect she's short circuited the speaker outputs before I powered the system down. :doh:
Is there a saviour for me? :pray:
Here's hoping.
Thanks in advance,
Ian T.

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savvypaul
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Re: A80 Mk I repair help please

Unread post by savvypaul »

Hi, Ian,

If you can get it / them to us, we'll open them up and see what needs to / can be done. Our workshop is now based just outside Peterborough (nearly back in the Nene Valley!). You could ship them or drop them off, if you're not too far away.

We charge a flat rate of £60 for inspection and fault-finding. The charge is waived if you proceed with any recommended work.

The workshop diary is pretty full for the next 6 to 8 weeks (existing orders, repairs on hand, and building stock for the North West Audio Show next month) so you would need to be patient.

Best regards,

Paul
NVA Hi-Fi
mail@hfsaudio.co.uk
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Lindsayt (Sat May 27, 2023 1:24 am)
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Ian Trotter
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Re: A80 Mk I repair help please

Unread post by Ian Trotter »

Thanks Paul,

I'm certainly willing to be patient (the first amp has been in this dead state for around 3 years now), the second has been the trigger to search for help again.
I've sent an email to mail@hfsaudio.co.uk including some photos of the one that's open. I'm happy to pursue via that route but if anyone else has any suggestions I'd be open to options.
Peterborough isn't too far from me and I could easily drop them into yourselves for investigation.
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Lindsayt (Sat May 27, 2023 1:24 am)

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savvypaul
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Re: A80 Mk I repair help please

Unread post by savvypaul »

Photos received.

Our engineer, Tomasz, will be in touch with you next week.
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Re: A80 Mk I repair help please

Unread post by Daniel Quinn »

If the boards gone then your only hope is NVA

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Re: A80 Mk I repair help please

Unread post by TheMarlin »

I have an old MK1 NVA amp. Not sure what of
Is. Could be an A30/40/60. It was my daughters but has been roughed up in a house move, the top is loose. But it still works fine.

If that can be harvested for parts to get yours working, would let you have it for peanuts.

To be honest, I’ve had old NVA amps and new ones. The new ones absolutely wipe floor with the old ones. They’re excellent, the old models don’t really stack up. If you can find he investment needed for a new amp, it really will reward you.
Modded Belles A150 MK2, P90SA, & NVA SSP cables, and LS5.
Leak Stereo 20 & First Audio Classic Copper V2
Modded Lenco GL75 with Saturn arm, heavy custom plinth. Nagaoka MP500.
Nottingham Audio Hyperspace + heavy kit, + Origin Live Conqueror + Koetsu Black
Tom Evans Micro Grove MK2 MC phono
Bluesound Node2i (x2) both with latest power upgrades.
Topping D90MQA and Topping D90SE
Audiolab 6000 CDT transport.
All NVA cables

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Re: A80 Mk I repair help please

Unread post by Daniel Quinn »

From my point of view .

The old ones had bigger power supplies .

Im sceptical as to how much circuit layout effects sound . ( I'm on board with the amount of components )


Thus and never heard the new ones I'm sceptical they could wipe the floor with the old ones even accepting 'wipe the floor' is ambiguous term .

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Re: A80 Mk I repair help please

Unread post by TheMarlin »

Daniel Quinn wrote: Sat May 27, 2023 8:39 pm From my point of view .

The old ones had bigger power supplies .

Im sceptical as to how much circuit layout effects sound . ( I'm on board with the amount of components )


NVA offer a loan (or try at home service) if memory serves.
Try one out. I’ll rock your world!
Modded Belles A150 MK2, P90SA, & NVA SSP cables, and LS5.
Leak Stereo 20 & First Audio Classic Copper V2
Modded Lenco GL75 with Saturn arm, heavy custom plinth. Nagaoka MP500.
Nottingham Audio Hyperspace + heavy kit, + Origin Live Conqueror + Koetsu Black
Tom Evans Micro Grove MK2 MC phono
Bluesound Node2i (x2) both with latest power upgrades.
Topping D90MQA and Topping D90SE
Audiolab 6000 CDT transport.
All NVA cables

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Re: A80 Mk I repair help please

Unread post by savvypaul »

I've created a separate thread that lists the more significant upgrades / changes to NVA amps since 2020...
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Re: A80 Mk I repair help please

Unread post by Sandman »

Ian I have sent you a PM please see if that is helpful
Turntable Double platter Lenco GL75 re-plinthed / Hadcock GH242SE Copper / NVA SC cable Cartridges Decca London Blue & Gold Phono NVA Phono2 2x PSU CD Audiolab 6000CDT > Teac UD-H01 Streamer Bluesound Node2 > Teac UD-H01 Pre NVA P90SA Power (Tweeters) NVA A30 Power (Mid/Bass) NVA Forum LE mono Interconnects NVA SSP Speaker Cable (Tweeter) NVA LS5 Speaker Cable (Mid/Bass) NVA LS6 Speakers NVA Cube2 Mains NVA BMU

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