Mike Brooks Posted August 11, 2007 Share Posted August 11, 2007 Hi, I've recently reviewed one of these amps for BGM and was blown away by it. I'm interested to hear what you've experienced as I contacted Aguilar in the US regarding their warranty and servicing issues as I had concerns regarding what UK players could do should problems arise as there was no UK distributor or service centre. I was contacted and told that a UK servicing setup would be put in place soon, obviously this hasn't happened yet. You may want to contact John Henrys here in London as they were very helpful and supplied the gear for review, they may be able to offer some help regarding the issues you've been having. All the best, Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted August 12, 2007 Author Share Posted August 12, 2007 [quote name='Mike Brooks' post='44163' date='Aug 11 2007, 12:11 PM']Hi, I've recently reviewed one of these amps for BGM and was blown away by it. I'm interested to hear what you've experienced as I contacted Aguilar in the US regarding their warranty and servicing issues as I had concerns regarding what UK players could do should problems arise as there was no UK distributor or service centre. I was contacted and told that a UK servicing setup would be put in place soon, obviously this hasn't happened yet. You may want to contact John Henrys here in London as they were very helpful and supplied the gear for review, they may be able to offer some help regarding the issues you've been having. All the best, Mike[/quote] Hi Mike, thanks for the news and advice. I imported my 750 as a pre-owned (but almost new) unit from the US - I was aware that the ten year guarantee is non-transferrable and also that there's no service centre in the UK (currently). I understood there's a risk here but decided to go ahead anyway. The people at Aguilar have been extremely helpful and responsive but it is irritating that the problem with power-up has not been resolved. A UK servicing agent would be a great idea (I'm not sure how many units Aguilar have sold in the UK - probably a good number with the AG series, cabs and preamps etc.) and would offer some re-assurance. As it is, I'm at something of a loss and will probably need to use a local amp expert (fortuntely, we have a top class guru in Manchester) - I'm sure, on the basis of experience so far, that I can rely on Aguilar to provide necessary details and help. I will contact John Henry's and seek their advice - it appears that the problems I've encountered are far from isolated! I hope to be able to borrow a power conditioner in the week and will report on the outcome (though, I'm of the opinion that a conditioner shouldn't really be necessary - the 750 is an expensive piece of kit and should simply work!) Thanks again, I'll keep everybody updated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bass_ferret Posted August 12, 2007 Share Posted August 12, 2007 There are quite a few retailers stocking Aguilar stuff now but you did not buy it from them so its not their problem. Moral of the story - dont buy from the US. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted August 12, 2007 Share Posted August 12, 2007 After reading the blinding reviews on BGRA I was gonna buy one of these. Alex at the Gallery has one on order, and its mine if I want it. Not sure now!!! What am I gonna buy instead?!!! Cheers Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bass_ferret Posted August 12, 2007 Share Posted August 12, 2007 [quote name='Chopthebass' post='44440' date='Aug 12 2007, 02:24 PM']After reading the blinding reviews on BGRA I was gonna buy one of these. Alex at the Gallery has one on order, and its mine if I want it. Not sure now!!! What am I gonna buy instead?!!! Cheers Ian[/quote] I would not be bovvered - you are getting a new UK spec amp that is also covered by the sale of goods act, the original waranty and the Gallery's reputation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted August 12, 2007 Share Posted August 12, 2007 [quote name='bass_ferret' post='44455' date='Aug 12 2007, 03:11 PM']I would not be bovvered - you are getting a new UK spec amp that is also covered by the sale of goods act, the original waranty and the Gallery's reputation.[/quote] I understand what you're saying, but it's the inconvenience of being without an amp, and couriering it back and forth. The Gallery are great, and I love buying from Alex, so I will have a look for alternatives. There have been too many occurances of this problem, and until Aguilar address it, I'm gonna give it a miss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted August 12, 2007 Author Share Posted August 12, 2007 Hi Bassferret and Ian, I've bought tons of stuff from the US over the years and this is the first time I've suffered any problems (I've also saved a great deal of money). To be honest, I think I could have experienced the power-up problem whether the 750 was bought here or imported (I've had detailed interchanges with Aguilar and the difference between a US and UK model are simply the circuit breaker and mains wiring - a 10 minute conversion job at the most). There seems to be an inherent problem with the power-pull on start up that is not connected with where the amp is purchased. I'm not really put-off - these amps are truly stunning when you can get them going - I do hope to find a fix without too much further hassle and will keep all informed: there must be a relatively simple solution that will improve reliability. Thanks for the inputs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bass_ferret Posted August 12, 2007 Share Posted August 12, 2007 OK Loz I stand corrected - but there are still the warranty and support issues, but if there is no UK support anyway thats not such an issue. There are not many amps out there that pump 750 watts into 4 ohms, lots like the EBS only give full beans into 2 ohms. If you need that sort of power in one box the list is few. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bass_ferret Posted August 12, 2007 Share Posted August 12, 2007 Just out of interest you are starting it up in standby and it trips when you turn the power on not the standby? Are you using an RCD? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warwickhunt Posted August 12, 2007 Share Posted August 12, 2007 I've followed this thread and still struggle to comprehend how this amp (and all of its brothers and sisters out there) can be getting glowing remarks (regardless of tone) when you can't actually use the thing! You seem to be saying that this is bordering on a common occurrence with this particular model of amp... astonishing (regardless of tone) why anyone would buy one. If I purchase an amp I expect it to turn on and go every time. I shouldn't have to buy another piece of equipment to plug it into to get it to work, or not as the case appears! I'm not knocking you or anyone else for buying one... actually I may be; but am I alone in finding this totally bemusing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99ster Posted August 12, 2007 Share Posted August 12, 2007 (edited) [quote name='warwickhunt' post='44586' date='Aug 12 2007, 08:41 PM']I've followed this thread and still struggle to comprehend how this amp (and all of its brothers and sisters out there) can be getting glowing remarks (regardless of tone) when you can't actually use the thing! You seem to be saying that this is bordering on a common occurrence with this particular model of amp... astonishing (regardless of tone) why anyone would buy one. If I purchase an amp I expect it to turn on and go every time. I shouldn't have to buy another piece of equipment to plug it into to get it to work, or not as the case appears! I'm not knocking you or anyone else for buying one... actually I may be; but am I alone in finding this totally bemusing?[/quote] +1. And it costs how much? Yet there's no UK tech suppport/service agent? WTF? Edited August 12, 2007 by 99ster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted August 13, 2007 Author Share Posted August 13, 2007 [quote name='99ster' post='44648' date='Aug 12 2007, 11:20 PM']+1. And it costs how much? Yet there's no UK tech suppport/service agent? WTF? [/quote] Hi Guys, I have a lot of sympathy with what you say but I'll put up with a lot to get the tone and power that I want! I'm not sure about frequency of occurence of the problem I've experienced - there are clearly other reports of difficulties but I'm not sure how many units are around in the UK and Europe (reports of problems can be found in the US too but I believe these have been largely addressed by the inclusion of the thermistor). You are entirely correct though, it's a lot to pay when there's little UK backup from the manufacturer (as yet anyway). No problem on the knocks - as I say above, I'll put up with a lot! I've been fortunate enough to use a couple of 750s extensively, and have been pretty-much convinced the amp has the characteristics I'm looking for (err...once they fire up). Maybe I'm a little too relaxed or maybe its a historical artefact - I started playing in the days when there was no expectation that you would plug in and go every time! Thanks for the inputs - the thread seems to have moved beyond technical points but has clearly spawned an interesting and important discussion re: reliablity and service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted August 13, 2007 Author Share Posted August 13, 2007 [quote name='bass_ferret' post='44568' date='Aug 12 2007, 08:09 PM']Just out of interest you are starting it up in standby and it trips when you turn the power on not the standby? Are you using an RCD?[/quote] Hi and thanks - I'm afraid we've not got as far as standby! The unit has a mute/operate selector and a 45 second diagnostic check prior to full operation. The circuit breaker (effectively the 'on' switch) trips as soon as it's engaged so we don't get into the diagnostic phase. I've not been using an RCD but I'm off to a friends studio in the next few days for further investigations (and use of a power conditioner) - I'll let you know. Thanks for the continuing help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted August 13, 2007 Author Share Posted August 13, 2007 [quote name='bass_ferret' post='44565' date='Aug 12 2007, 08:07 PM']OK Loz I stand corrected - but there are still the warranty and support issues, but if there is no UK support anyway thats not such an issue. There are not many amps out there that pump 750 watts into 4 ohms, lots like the EBS only give full beans into 2 ohms. If you need that sort of power in one box the list is few.[/quote] Hi and thanks - I love the EBS stuff that I've seen (very little opportunity to use I'm afraid). I'm not sure about 'need' for 750, I think it's 'want' in my case (which is probably pretty childish but I justify it on the grounds of acquaintance with one of the most ridiculously loud drummers I've ever encountered!) Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Funk Posted August 13, 2007 Share Posted August 13, 2007 I use the related Aguilar DB680 preamp. I haven't had any problems with it. I plug it into a power amp that gives me 1000 watts at 4 ohms. After reading all of this I'm glad that's the way I went. Sorry to hear about your problems with the DB750. I'm very surprised that it's a problem which a good amp tech can't fix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted August 13, 2007 Author Share Posted August 13, 2007 [quote name='The Funk' post='44813' date='Aug 13 2007, 02:10 PM']I use the related Aguilar DB680 preamp. I haven't had any problems with it. I plug it into a power amp that gives me 1000 watts at 4 ohms. After reading all of this I'm glad that's the way I went. Sorry to hear about your problems with the DB750. I'm very surprised that it's a problem which a good amp tech can't fix.[/quote] Hi, I think your route to great tone was a good one! I was going for the one box fix (I often carry a lot of stuff around) and I'd been impressed with the tone/power combination in the 750. I've not been to an amp specialist yet but will have this arranged by the end of the week (then I hope to have some good news!) Thanks for the inputs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toasted Posted August 13, 2007 Share Posted August 13, 2007 (edited) There's currently two people in this thread with DB750s. Mine is a stock UK model from the Gallery and works fine. (Incidently works fine in my parents house that was originally wired up in the 30s) Loz's is a US import with a non-aguilar change of PSU. Make up your own minds. I know at least 4 other guys with DB750s who have no problems with powerup in all venues... all with UK models. Edited August 13, 2007 by Toasted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BossHog Posted August 14, 2007 Share Posted August 14, 2007 [quote name='Marcus' post='43841' date='Aug 10 2007, 03:36 PM']I have 2 mates with DB750's both use a Furman power conditioner and have no problems, I borrowed one for a gig once and used it without the Furman, wouldn't even switch on ? Weird amp..... AWESOME SOUND !!! I hope you get sorted with it......[/quote] Just read through this thread and wanted to throw in my experience with Aguilar. First of all the amplifier Flea from the Red Hot Chilean Pipers borrowed (as above) displayed exactly the same issues described in you're earlier post's, however the Furman was used for power distribution (the ten IEC outlets came in handy for FX, radio systems and so on) not mains conditioning and at the time it would'nt have worked with either? The amplifier was shipped from a dealer in the States brand new but ordered at U.K. voltage, a practice no longer endorsed by Aguilar as a number of dealers now stock the products in the U.K. This was my second DB 750, the first I sold in a moment of insanity and regreted it instantly finding it's replacement falling way short of the 750's power and tone. Guess I was susceptible to good marketing from another company at the time! The first came from German dealer in 2000 and was perfect. The problematic American DB was sorted in a matter of 6 days from reporting the fault via email to Aguilar to the parts arriving at my front door. After a very simple thermistor installation (fantastic support from Aguilar tech dept, including detailed high res pics of the installation) the amp has been running perfectly since. I suspect if the thermistor fix has not resolved the problem then something of a more serious nature may be at fault. Lets face it every manufacturer encounters problems, it's how they are addressed that measures the true fabric of the company. What are Aguilar suggesting as a solution? My advice would be if it requires it, ship it back to Aguilar and have the diagnostics carried out correctly. I know for a fact that some major amplifier lines in the U.K. use "Johnny" the local repair dood up the road as an external service centre. So U.K. distributors of certain brands do not automatically offer manufacturers standards on warranty reapirs. I speak from experience on that. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 The Gallery in Camden are authorised Aguilar repairers, and according to Alex there, they have the technology to sort out any amp issues. I found this out because I'm buying a DB750 and was obviously concerned about this problem!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted August 16, 2007 Author Share Posted August 16, 2007 Hi guys, thanks for the new inputs - I'm just back from a couple of days away so sorry for delayed response. As Toasted suggests, there may be something (much even) to be gained from buying a 'made for UK' unit. I would have done this myself if I hadn't found a very cheap deal overseas. However, in detailed communications with Aguilar, I've been informed that the only difference between the US and UK units is the circuit breaker and wiring: Aguilar supplied the requisite breaker (i.e., the one that would be factory fitted to a UK unit) to me with wiring instructions...maybe there's some other magic I'm missing but I can't begin to imagine what it would be. I guess for some (especially those with paid playing work), the problem I've encountered would be much more than an inconvenience. However, it's been a long time since I played for money and the issue is really nothing more than a minor (even intriguing) annoyance. It's interesting to hear that the Gallery is an Aguilar authorised repairer - I know Alex et al and will certainly take my DB750 down if it can't be sorted out locally (I've dealt with the Gallery extensively and would trust their work). I'd also have no qualms about purchasing anything there - back-up and after-sales service at Sei/Gallery is superb. Thanks to BossHog - it's good to know that your experience of dealing with Aguilar has been similar to my own. Again, customer service is excellent. I also agree that the tone and power of a DB750 is really unmatched. The inclusion (or fitting) of the thermistor appears to sort out power-on problems in the vast majority of cases. My understanding (distilled from communications with Aguilar, this thread and perusal of other fora) is that there is certainly some history of problems with the DB750's power-up. The problem seems to be more acute in Europe/UK than it is in the US. Efforts to address the issue with the inclusion of a thermistor have been largely successful (certainly in the US, and to some degree here). Where the problem is ongoing, use of a power conditioner may help (though there can be a downside to using such a device). With my unit, the problems may extend beyond those experienced by some (albeit a small minority of) DB750 users. I'm taking the 750 to be checked by a technician tonight (in a studio environment with filtered mains) and will report tomorrow. On the issue of where to buy a DB750...well there are so many variables...access to resources, requirement for reliability, ease of servicing, warranty and back-up, dealer reputation, price, lead-times, possible differences in technical specs, willingness to effect necessary component changes etc. Everybody has to assemble there own equation. For me, economy was paramount - an almost brand new unit at a major saving. However, if I still earned a living from playing, my priorities would be different. The failure to power-up hasn't caused real problems (no missed work) and I remain reasonably confident (!) that the amp will operate and perform just as intended fairly soon. On the plus side of this whole issue (for me at least), it's been great to receive such knowledgeable, well-intentioned and experience-based inputs from the bass-playing community - thanks to all - your help and comments have been much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Funk Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 I have to admit I bought my Aguilar DB680 secondhand from a private seller in the US. Even after shipping and customs, and conversion from US to UK spec, it came in at around 55% of the price of a new UK one. Budget is always going to be a factor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted August 16, 2007 Author Share Posted August 16, 2007 [quote name='The Funk' post='46520' date='Aug 16 2007, 05:00 PM']I have to admit I bought my Aguilar DB680 secondhand from a private seller in the US. Even after shipping and customs, and conversion from US to UK spec, it came in at around 55% of the price of a new UK one. Budget is always going to be a factor.[/quote] Hi - nearly the same here - about 60% (if it doesn't cost a fortune to get it to work!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted August 17, 2007 Author Share Posted August 17, 2007 Update - Success! The DB750 is now powering-up and working perfectly. I took it along to be checked last night - the mains wiring was checked and tightened (it wasn't loose anyway) and the amp was powered-on on a filtered system. No problem - first time power-up, through the self-diagnostic test and into operate status. I switched over from mute and the unit performed flawlessly. I powered-down and moved into a corridor (non-filtered mains) - again, no problem! From corridor to work (where I'm told that the mains supply can be problematic - it's a commercial building wherein the system is not designed to cope with heavy draw)...again, power-on without any difficulty. From work to home and same again - flawless power-on and performance. I tried again this morning to ensure I hadn't dreamt it...sure enough, power-on straight away (and gorgeous tone into a ul112). So...did the tech frighten it into good behaviour (some appear to have this power)? Did the unit 'learn' what to do (magic)? Did the tightening of screws have some impact ('doubt it)? Did the journey shake something loose/tight ('hope not)? Something else (maybe)? The whole episode is intriguing - and has been at times frustrating - but needless to say, I'm delighted that the problem seems to have gone (and hope it stays that way). I'll certainly keep all updated and let everybody know if there's any further difficulty (or return of the original). To close, sincere thanks to all that have contributed - your help and advice (and discourse) is greatly appreciated. The least I can do is provide a review and I'll try to arrange this over the coming weeks. Thanks again, Loz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Funk Posted August 17, 2007 Share Posted August 17, 2007 A good tech can fix anything. Even things which aren't really broken. I'm glad your Aguilar's working now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted August 17, 2007 Author Share Posted August 17, 2007 [quote name='The Funk' post='46879' date='Aug 17 2007, 03:35 PM']A good tech can fix anything. Even things which aren't really broken. I'm glad your Aguilar's working now. [/quote] Hi and thanks - the tech simply gave it a stern looking at. I'm certainly glad it's working too (not sure about the neighbours!) Cheers, Loz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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