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Post subject: 65 DRRI
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2015 6:56 am
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Just snagged a DRRI from ebay for $600. Owner says its a couple of years old, seldom used, and looks to be in good cosmetic shape. People who are better versed in these, does it look like a newer one? Seems like a deal but having never purchased one of these amps before I am wondering if anyone can advise me on what to look for and how to test it once it arrives to make sure it doesn't exhibit any common problems.

Also, I realize the back boards that screw into the cabinet are missing, though they may be visible in some shots on the floor, can't tell. How big of a deal is it if they aren't with the amp?


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Post subject: Re: 65 DRRI
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2015 7:49 am
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Good deal if it's in good playable condition. My DRRI is a 2010 model. It looks identical to this one, down to the covered switches. If it were mine I'd just plug it in and play it for a test drive, then probably check the bias. More cautious individuals might check the bias first. You might want to have an amp tech check it out if you're not experienced. Those power tubes look like they could be original. No big deal, but worth a look. May need some tube replacements, or not. It would be nice if you got the back panels with it, but for price I guess you can't complain too much. Nice catch.


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Post subject: Re: 65 DRRI
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2015 8:22 am
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Replacement back panels can often be found on Ebay, along with the correct fasteners needed to install them.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: 65 DRRI
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2015 3:43 pm
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It's not unusual for a seller to remove the back panels for photos showing the speaker and tubes, etc.
It couldn't hurt to ask the seller to be sure to include them when he ships the amp.
A newer DRRI will have the covers on the switches, as mentioned, and should have a "cage" gizmo that surrounds the power and rectifier tubes. The cage is a metal box which attaches to the upper back panel.
An older iteration might have an Eminence rather than a Jensen speaker. It's possible the DRRI always came with the Jensen C12K, so someone chime in if I err.
A concern I would have is that the seller has zero feedback so is a complete eBay noob. He may not have a clue as how to ship anything, much less an amp. Trust me, I could tell stories.
Does he have the original shipping carton? The listing says he's shipping via Priority Mail, which is good. Good because you should get the amp in 3-4 days, rather than 5-6. Less time being handled means less chance of shipping damage.
Others will surely disagree. You can find horror stories about every shipper, so it's a wash. But if the seller doesn't take the time and effort to pack properly, bad things will happen, no matter who's the carrier.
When you get the amp, the easier it is to get the amp out of the box, the more likely there's something loose or broken. Make sure the tubes are all snug in their sockets before plugging in, and let the amp reach room temperature before you fire it up. If you place your hand on the chassis and can't keep it there because it's too cold, that would be because it's too cold.
Make sure both the Power and Standby switches are "OFF". Try to play the amp at low volume for a while before cranking it up to 6 or 7. First, send mom to the 7-11 for beers and smokes. Then, proceed to rawk. :D


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Post subject: Re: 65 DRRI
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2015 5:37 pm
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evets618 wrote:
It's possible the DRRI always came with the Jensen C12K, so someone chime in if I err.


The initial production runs of the DRRI were all equipped with an Eminence "special design" loudspeaker. The imported Jensini appeared sometime after (or during ) the 2000 model year. Neither driver favors this amp.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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