any good Midlands tweakers out there?

[steve parker]

I want to upgrade my Audio Research LS2B pre amp with new, top quality capicitors (and anything else that would help).
I've searched the net, and had some useful info on capacitor types (Dynamicaps or Mundorf Supremes) but I need an engineer who can actually do the job. I'm totally solder and circuit illiterate, so I need someone with knowledge and interest. Anyone out there? I'm near Bromsgrove, but can travel a reasonable distance.

 

[alexs2]

I want to upgrade my Audio Research LS2B pre amp with new, top quality capicitors (and anything else that would help).
I've searched the net, and had some useful info on capacitor types (Dynamicaps or Mundorf Supremes) but I need an engineer who can actually do the job. I'm totally solder and circuit illiterate, so I need someone with knowledge and interest. Anyone out there? I'm near Bromsgrove, but can travel a reasonable distance.

Whilst not local to you,GTAudio have an excellent reputation.

www.gtaudio.com

Classique Sounds in Leicester predominantly upgrade Quad and Leak but may be worth a call.


http://www.classiquesounds.co.uk/


You could also contact Absolute Sounds,the Uk importer,as they still service many models.

 

[Cable Monkey]

Coherent Systems. They are in Malvern, will discuss your requirements and then do the work for you. I was happy with what they did for me.

 

[steve parker]

Cable Monkey - I've emailed to Coherent systems, and Tony Sallis seems reluctant to talk prices in mail, but wants to visit to assess it. I don't want to trouble him if he turns out to be expensive (well, funds are fairly tight on this project). He's offered to come over for nothing but tea and biscuit, but I don't want to take advantage of his good will then go elsewhere because he's costly. Any feedback on his charges and methods?

Alexs2 - GT seemed knowledgable, but suggested work would be too difficult for limited improvements. Classiquesounds don't cover Audio Research - too "modern".

 

[Cable Monkey]

Steve,
In my opinion his methods are beyond reproach. He won't do anymore than he has to and indeed declined to do something for me because he did not think the return would be worthwhile. Obviously prices have a degree of confidentiality so I won't go into that in open fora out of respect for Tony but I have PM'd you.

 

[alexs2]

....
Alexs2 - GT seemed knowledgable, but suggested work would be too difficult for limited improvements. Classiquesounds don't cover Audio Research - too "modern".

Sorry that neither were of any use....GTAudio do have a very good reputation but obviously mostly on other gear.

My other recommendation of Absolute Sounds may be worthwhile for price comparisons if you wanted one,as they do service pretty much all of the gear they sell.

 

[Jimholt]

You could try Chevin Audio in Derby. Colin is very reasonable on price and a nice chap.
http://www.chevinaudio.co.uk/

 

[Ianfromnotts]

I guess most specialists will be thinking that the amp could be getting on a bit now, I think the LS2 first saw the light of day back in 91 and may be thinking that all the caps need changing especially the electrolytic ones that can age quickly.

If you change all the caps this may cost a bit, especially if you use high quality parts. About a year ago Graham (GT Audio) quoted £1500 to service/rebuild, excluding the PSU caps, on some old Leaks I had and these are easy to work on. He did some rebuilds for me back in the 90s and the work was exemplary.

The link below suggests changes to the output caps can produce some good results and if it is just these that need doing you may get away with a non specialist if who can solder and follow instructions if you source the parts first.

http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/preamplifiers/audio-research/PRD_124807_1591crx.aspx

As the link points out changes to the caps can make differences that are not always for the better and I think you really need to speak to some one that knows these amps well. I would drop a few emails to the LS2 and AR upgrade specialists in the US and see what they would suggest.

Remember most of the specialists will have their own views on what works and what does not so if you have a firm view on what you want done a none specialist may be an easier solution.

I would however also drop an email to Colin at Chevin, he has done upgrades for me in the past and I think he will be willing to help and his work especially with digital gear is excellent.

 

[Ianfromnotts]

PS if you need the circuit diagram it can be found in this site

http://www.arcdb.ws/index.html

 

[steve parker]

I did contact Absolute Sounds, and whilst the engineer wasn't available, the nice reception lady did tell me that a set of new valves was just over £700. I gave up then. My wallet and their expections are never really going to strike up a cordial relationship!
I'll carry on asking around the more down to earth gents you've kindly posted here.

 

[alexs2]

I did contact Absolute Sounds, and whilst the engineer wasn't available, the nice reception lady did tell me that a set of new valves was just over £700. I gave up then. My wallet and their expections are never really going to strike up a cordial relationship!
I'll carry on asking around the more down to earth gents you've kindly posted here.

Rather steep for the tubes,but does give you a starting point to go down from!