Sophia 91-01

happyrabbit · « **Reply #20 on:** 15 Mar 2013, 11:01 pm »

Replaced Fuse. Blown. Replaced Fuse & Installed other Amp's Tubes. Blown. Tubes from blown amp operate fine in good amp. The left amp is DOA.
I am sure Sophia will accuse me of being abusive for leaving it on soo long. I was breaking in a new pair 300b carbon tubes. crap. My SS amp is depressing me...

Dwight

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #21 on:** 16 Mar 2013, 12:11 am »

There are lots of reliable tube designs out there that won't overheat after only 5 hours. Fix this amp then sell the pair and get something else is my suggestion. Sorry.

SET Man · « **Reply #22 on:** 16 Mar 2013, 03:12 am »

Quote from: happyrabbit on 15 Mar 2013, 11:01 pm

Replaced Fuse. Blown. Replaced Fuse & Installed other Amp's Tubes. Blown. Tubes from blown amp operate fine in good amp. The left amp is DOA.
I am sure Sophia will accuse me of being abusive for leaving it on soo long. I was breaking in a new pair 300b carbon tubes. crap. My SS amp is depressing me...

Dwight

Hey!

Well, look like you have a more serious problem here.

As Ericus Rex said get it fix and decide what you want to do with them after. And I think in this case it is still under the warranty right? So, they should fix it for you for free. And do ask them if they are serious about the 5hrs limit per session... I still can't believe they said that!

Hope this won't be a turn off for you when is come to tube. If you decide to sell them and get a new SET. If you are handy with soldering iron than do check out Audio Note Kit 300B monoblocks. Too bad Welborne Labs currently don't offer any tube amp kit right now.

Anyway, good luck.

Take care,
Buddy

Docere · « **Reply #23 on:** 16 Mar 2013, 04:00 am »

HI All,

I rarely post here, but this post deserves a response.

It is not normal, or acceptable to my mind, that an amp need be turned off after 4 -5 hours. It is a common expectation that an amp be able to run for as long as you might wish to listen to music… and longer. You turn off a tube amp because you want to preserve your tubes, not because it is otherwise unreliable or unsafe! That suggestion and the issues you are experiencing have me questioning the engineering.

Another few notes regarding the engineering: 1. where are the grommets for the chassis holes that have wires routed through them? 2. There must be a lot of $$$ invested in the output transformers…

My other issue with the Sophia 91 relates to marketing: it is little like a (WE)91. The "91" designation is loosely used for pentode-driven 300B SET amps in general, of which the Sophia is not. IIRC, despite discussing its WE-ness at length, Jeff completely missed this point in his glowing “review”. Not sure a correction was ever posted.

Still, the Sophia may be a nice-sounding amp. I’d get to the bottom of the fault - maybe have someone independent look over it - and decide what you would like to do from there.

Cheers.

MttBsh · « **Reply #24 on:** 16 Mar 2013, 04:20 am »

So sorry to hear about the problems you're experiencing with your amp Dwight. As I posted earlier in this thread, I own a pair of the Sophia 91-01s and have left them on overnight many times (by accident) with no problems. In fact in the year and a half I've been listening to them daily, sometimes for very extended sessions, I've never had any problem of any sort, and I continue to be amazed by how great they sound.

I'm surpised by the response you received from Sophia, it sounded almost like they misunderstood what you were telling them. They seemed like decent, friendly people when I worked with them, I expect that they will fix or repair your amp. Please keep us posted.

Matt

MttBsh · « **Reply #25 on:** 16 Mar 2013, 04:22 am »

I meant that they will fix or "replace" your amps.

Matt

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #26 on:** 17 Mar 2013, 04:35 am »

Quote from: happyrabbit on 14 Mar 2013, 11:04 pm

My left mono block blew it's fuse.. I realized there was no sound from the left channel after switching CD's...

Is this normal ? I left a message with sophia electric. No response. Hopefully tomorrow.

I took the cover off to check for blown components. $4500 construction.... Don't u think

I unknow the quality of these parts, but the 300B socket are most cheap, the custumer deserve more for this price.
It cost 0.60 dolar if one buy low quantity:
http://www.goodcomponent.com/4-Pin%20Tube%20Socket.html

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #27 on:** 17 Mar 2013, 05:11 am »

Quote from: Docere on 16 Mar 2013, 04:00 am

It is not normal, or acceptable to my mind, that an amp need be turned off after 4 -5 hours. It is a common expectation that an amp be able to run for as long as you might wish to listen to music… and longer. You turn off a tube amp because you want to preserve your tubes, not because it is otherwise unreliable or unsafe! That suggestion and the issues you are experiencing have me questioning the engineering.

I ditto it. IF I remember well the 300B tube produces very few heat.
Also this amp counts very few parts underside, it seems not create much heat.

Maybe it had to do with the low thermal heat dissipation from this chassis or transformers.
It would help if it had a aluminium chassis.
How big are the transformers core??

happyrabbit · « **Reply #28 on:** 19 Mar 2013, 01:36 am »

Please note how the Choke is bent away from the power mains.... Craftsmanship.. very bespoke..

I am done venting. The abused amp is on the FedEx truck and upon arrival will be evaluated by "Sophia's Engineer(s)"

ooops I promise no more.

I did some looking and decided I need a Joule VZN-80. If my amps are going to blow up, I want a OTL design

No worries Set Man. I am hooked on the SET concept. Its the real deal.

Dwight

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #29 on:** 19 Mar 2013, 03:02 am »

Joules built alot of heat. Do you live in a cold area or very cold area??
The Bias is manual for each tube at 20/30 hours.
The input stage is no simple as a SET amp it use five tubes, inclusive a rare 6350 TV tube, also this stage need hi quality tubes.

happyrabbit · « **Reply #30 on:** 19 Mar 2013, 03:23 am »

I guess there is no free lunch..especially when you remove the output transformers. I read some feedback on the VZN-80. VZN-80 has all kinds of fun ways to melt down with and without my help.
Dwight

happyrabbit · « **Reply #31 on:** 26 Mar 2013, 03:46 pm »

I am sending the other amp back. Sophia must need it more than me. I am washing my hands of this train wreck. Sophia's response is disappointing. No warranty replacement and limited operational endurance. Outstanding. YMMV. Looking for SET recommendations to replace the Sophia's

Thanks

Dwight

From: sales@sophiaelectric.com
To: dwight_*******@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: 91-01
Date: Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:30:26 -0400

Hi Dwight,

Bad news! Our technician reported that the power transformer is dead due to over heating around the clock running. Replacement transformer is $299.99 for part, $399.99 for labor. The best we can do to take an existing client is to give you $200 off. So your portion is $499.99 + return shipping.

Best regards,

Sue

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #32 on:** 26 Mar 2013, 04:06 pm »

Quote from: happyrabbit on 19 Mar 2013, 03:23 am

I guess there is no free lunch..especially when you remove the output transformers. I read some feedback on the VZN-80. VZN-80 has all kinds of fun ways to melt down with and without my help.
Dwight

The 30W Joule Stargate is my fav on this brand, but as the big brothers they are over priced and pretty rare.

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #33 on:** 26 Mar 2013, 10:07 pm »

Quote from: happyrabbit on 26 Mar 2013, 03:46 pm

I am sending the other amp back. Sophia must need it more than me. I am washing my hands of this train wreck. Sophia's response is disappointing. No warrant replacement and limited operational endurance. Outstanding. YMMV. Looking for SET recommendations to replace the Sophia's

Thanks

Dwight

From: sales@sophiaelectric.com
To: dwight_warren@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: 91-01
Date: Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:30:26 -0400

Hi Dwight,

Bad news! Our technician reported that the power transformer is dead due to over heating around the clock running. Replacement transformer is $299.99 for part, $399.99 for labor. The best we can do to take an existing client is to give you $200 off. So your portion is $499.99 + return shipping.

Best regards,

Sue

Very disappointing indeed and Iam even surprised, I was though they would be more friendly.
Most rough guitar amps run all the day with no prob.

If I was you I would transfer the problem to a new owner and sell it as it is for a fair price.
Give more money to Sophia is favor the error and is an incentive for this manufacturer to continue making this type of defective equipment.

400 bills for change one transformer??

other option is buy only the transformer and solder it yourself or pay a local tech to do it, it will charge less than 400.

P.S.: You may take the $200 offer from Sophia and put more $100 and buy only the transformer, the solder job you will provide... 100 is not expensive.

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #34 on:** 27 Mar 2013, 01:16 am »

I still say get 'em fixed and get 'em outta your life! No need for you to lose all that money. You could resell and recoup some of your investment.

And NEVER buy another piece of audio gear based on reviews alone!

Hugh · « **Reply #35 on:** 27 Mar 2013, 01:31 pm »

HappyRabbit,

Didn't you buy it brand new?
If so, IMHO, shouldn't they fix it under warranty?

happyrabbit · « **Reply #36 on:** 27 Mar 2013, 01:55 pm »

Hugh,

On Page 1

"Do not operate tube amplifiers around clock or you would have risk of shortening the life span or damaging tubes and amplifiers. Take a break for every 4-5 hours session of running amplifiers by turning amplifiers off for 30-45min Sue"

Brand new units. Warranty Void due to 'negligence' on my part.

Rex,

Lesson Learned.

Dwight

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #37 on:** 27 Mar 2013, 02:12 pm »

Neglicence of the manufacturer also in doing a so fragile amp.
Seems the transformer use a very thin wire.

Bemopti123 · « **Reply #38 on:** 27 Mar 2013, 03:21 pm »

Gosh, that is a terrible outcome for something that has not even been used very often. I call it almost a rip. But to be honest with you, I have an Assemblage 300B with all the bell and whistles and when I first got it, it was returned to the factory twice. The last time, It came back with a statement saying that one part was under specified from assembly (Paradigm audio had purchased Sonic Frontiers and all associated products and they were banging out what parts and supplies were left from the old stock), and so far, it has been rock solid.
I have always wondered why some amplifiers were so light in comparison to my stereo 300B amp... Mine weights at around 60 lbs. The transformer, fried due to use and abuse? $400 for labor? Pass. I say pass and get the hell out of that trap pronto. While I never thought much of Sophia, now, this gives me a good reason to really run to the hills when I see their equipment and most likely their tubes.

sonicboom · « **Reply #39 on:** 27 Mar 2013, 03:32 pm »

Quote from: happyrabbit on 27 Mar 2013, 01:55 pm

Hugh,

On Page 1

"Do not operate tube amplifiers around clock or you would have risk of shortening the life span or damaging tubes and amplifiers. Take a break for every 4-5 hours session of running amplifiers by turning amplifiers off for 30-45min Sue"

Brand new units. Warranty Void due to 'negligence' on my part.

Rex,

Lesson Learned.

Dwight

Wow! This is simply unacceptable. The "engineer" hacks at sophia want you to pay that kind of dough so they can fix their under specced and under performing crap components. That's an insult. But maybe I'm being harsh as theirs is the only SET amp running in class A and generating all this heat. I am sure that all other SET manufacturers have figured out a secret way to run a single ended circuit in class H, thus producing very little heat. That's probably the real reason other SET's don't meltdown after 5 hours of use.

I agree with the poster above, give these hacks as little of your money as possible by just buying the transformer and having a tech do the repair. Then get rid of the amp.