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I recently went through a bad run of luck with my Clearaudio Concept turntable and Eastern Electric MiniMax Phono stage, or so I thought in the latter's case. But everything turned out better than fine thanks to Musical Surroundings and Tom Tutay.
The Concept went nuts on me when I was trying to adjust the speed, first ramping up to triple-digit RPMs and then dropping to the low double-digits. It was my fault; I was using a tool that had been made obsolete after a design change but was unaware. I labored over that thing for three months off and on and could never get it fixed so I sent it to Mike Fajen at Musical Surroundings.
Even though it was out of warranty, Mike replaced the motor and electronics for no charge and even paid for return shipping. I'd always heard that Clearaudio's customer service was outstanding but this was exceptional. Mike kept me updated at every turn and was never less than a total pro.
While the Concept was acting up I'd started using my old Roksan Radius, which I love, but after a while the right channel started disappearing. I went through the standard routine of swapping out cables, phono stages, etc., and the problem always followed the Eastern Electric so I was put in touch with Tom Tutay, who is familiar to many here at AA.
He was great to talk with and quickly determined that the EE was absolutely fine (which leads me to believe I have some bad tonearm wiring that miraculously only went haywire when the EE was around). But since the unit was already in Florida, Tom asked if I'd be interested in his highly regarded EE mod.
For $250, I thought 'What the hell.' Talk about a cost-effective upgrade. The dynamics and bass are much improved, not maybe-it-sounds-better-but-who-knows improved, but more like "Holy shit!" improved. The bass is much deeper and tighter -- my Spendor SP/1s never knew they had this much bass, even on some demanding reggae records -- and everything sounds more effortless. The EE's very friendly midrange was unchanged, which is good. I like a friendly midrange.
So major props to Tom and Mike, although I hope I never need to talk to Mike again unless it's to upgrade.
Follow Ups:
Musical Surroundings is in Florida? Cool! Going to take my Denon integrated there.
Two different transactions. Turntable went to Musical Surroundings in Bay Area. Phono stage went to Tom in Florida. Tom doesn't have a website but I can provide contact info if you'd like. He also builds gear.
Ah yes I was a little confused. I would love to get Tom's contact info. Especially if he is close to Miami.
Check your AA email for all of Tom's info.
Thanks! I got it. He actually as far from me as is possible and not be in Louisiana! haha. Oh well. The search for a good shop in Miami continues.
the S.F Bay area. But that was in 2003, they could have moved.
Opus 33 1/3
Love stories like this.
Thanks for posting.
"If people don't want to come, nothing will stop them" - Sol Hurok
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