[NADFan]

Hi all!  Happy Friday everyone!  I just picked up this beautiful amp and was wondering a few things:

1. Is mine an original or an upgraded unit?
2. Is there an owners manual online somewhere?
3. Is there a schematic manual available?

Thanks!

NADfan

[hawkmoon]

Do you have a picture?  Does it have a captive ac cord?

[NADFan]

Here are 2 pics in my gallery.

[hawkmoon]

The fact that it has a captive ac cord probably means it was a 600 that was upgraded to the R version when Frank designed it.  Mine is the same, I sent it to him for the R upgrade.  Later models have no captive ac cord-not sure when that occurred in the production cycle.  There may also be updates when that change occurred.  I wish Van Alstine would bring that model back though they will support it repair wise.  Great amp!  I want another to add to my collection.

[10ear]

I have the same amp. It is a war horse and sounds so good driving my modified Infinity Kappa 9s. I have been with AVA for many years. I even have a pair of Biro LP1s and the Kensington sub.   ole 10ear

[NADFan]

Thanks for the quick replies guys.  If I open it up would there be telltale signs inside the unit?  Any chance you guys still have the manual?

NADfan

[10ear]

Mine started life as a FET Valve 500 in 1997, a chassis upgrade and 4 additional upgrades to the R600. If you open it you will find a very well laid out electrical topography and a very large transformer as well as 2 tubes. there are an awful lot of screws holding it together. If it works, I am not sure I would "lift the hood"! Tubes are available from AVA and they can correct any issues it may have. The manual is 5 pages of typical electronic precautions and some operational instructions.    manual link https://share.icloud.com/photos/0c1R2sfwvWA6OCC-TyJBVl_-A   10ear

[ArthurDent]

Greetings & Welcome to AC      For info AVA uses the date of mfg for the serial number, i.e., looks like yours was originally made 10th of July, of '90 something. I can't quite make out the last number. A quick call to them should give you access to all the info they have on the unit. Happy hunting. 

[NADFan]

@10ear thanks so very much for the manual!  That was way awesome.  I find it interesting that on page 4 it says "The original tubes should provide over two years of good service."  It was my impression that tubes lasted a pretty long time but I'm learning more about tubes.  The unit certainly sounds fine to me.  As to opening the unit I have no issues whatsoever as I'm an engineer and am very comfortable.  Not only that my curiosity on what's inside the black box is killing me lol.  When I do are there others here who would like pics on what I see posted?

@ArthurDent - love your handle.  And yes I do on planning contacting AVA to see what info they have on the unit.  I'm always one to find out the history of things I own.

NADfan