smorty wrote:
Smashing amp, I have one. Something over 200UKP on ebay, depending on
condition.

Are you one of the fortunate few to have fully operational input/tape
loop selectors?

Rob


I must be lucky then, on mine the tape loop selector's working fine, I
didn't realise that was a common problem. There's a control on the
front to select tape1 - source - tape2, I've had this connected to two
old nak cassette decks (LX3's) and was able to do tape to tape copy,
recording from source with tape monitoring, no obvious problems.

It's more the input selector - in my sample (of 2!) AI amps, both failed
on at least one input.

The amp itself sounds good. I've currently got golden dragon valves fitted,
was wondering if it might sound better with sovteks or some other make if
I can get hold of them. Do I need to get matched pairs for the output valves?

Yes, I think that's best - I'd go for a matched quad, but perhaps check
with Border Patrol?

I've had the lid off and the pcb looks in reasonable shape, no visible damage.
Is there anything to look out for? Any known faults that commonly
occur? Mine has a black steel case with the sloping front lid, I've heard
there are two types - mk1 and mk2, not sure which mine is.

Mk.2 has 4 inputs, mk.1 has 5.

I'm currently using this amp with two sets of speakers - a) tannoy
mercury m1's (bookshelf) b) an old pair of lowther "mini-monitors" from
the 70's, can't remember exact drive unit type but they're usual dual cone
lowther affairs.

It's obviously not designed for high SPLs, but I'm very impressed at
normalish levels with Dynaudio speakers (fairly 'stiff' loads). The
phono in particular is splendid. In fact, all round, it's an excellent
valve starter amp - no fuss whatsoever (input switching notwithstanding).

Are there any web resouces for this amp (other than the border patrol
site?)

Google remains your friend :-).

Can you recommend a good place to buy replacement valves,
and which makes to get? Is there anyone in the UK who services these amps?

Border Patrol will kit you out for a premium, ebay (consider US
suppliers - good exchange) or Watford valves. I wouldn't bother if the
amp functions properly (no curious noises, wildly glowing valves).

I had an AI 500 for a good while - can't sing praises highly enough.

Rob