Neumann mic tech in LA?

[talco]

My U67 is acting up a bit and I'm looking for a reliable tech in the L.A. area.
Not Stephen Paul please.
Also a good supplier for tubes.
Thanks

[Jeff D.]

I just read that Steven Paul passed away around Christmas... is his company even still around?

Jeff D.

[cjguitar]

I'm just curious. Why not Stephen Paul? (and yes I know he just passed away, may he rest in peace)

[Allan Speers]

Stephen's passing was a HUGE loss for our community.

however, SPA will continue. Tony has no plans to close the shop.

I would guess that the reason Talco doesn't want to deal with SPA is that it typically takes YEARS to get your mic back. That's not an exaggeration. Often 3 years or more, despite constant phone calls. I know this from MUCH personal experience, as well as similar stories from other engineers.

-But Tony does EXTREMELY good work. Probably the best available.

Also, once the new mic is finally on the market, and revenue starts coming in, SPA will finally be able to hire some help, at which point Tony can concentrate soley on mic work. He has been dealing with an enormous amount of other business stuff for years, and is well aware of the need to get things together. I couldn't live without my SPA mics, and wish him all the best.

-----

Talco,

for a really strong, low-noise tube, try Kevin deal @ Upscale Audio. He's expensive, and worth it.
-BTW, I believe you can use a Tele EF806s instead of the EF86. could be a serious upgrade, though I never tried this as I use M269's w/ AC701K's.

[talco]

Thanks for the tips Allan! Wow, didn't know about Stephen Pauls passing. Very sorry to hear that.
The time issue was the reason for seeking an alternative.

[ctmartin]

I'd like to know this too. Recently had to send a M150 power supply to Neumann. Even for something this basic they would NOT supply my tech with schematics, so they were the only solution. Cost me an arm & a leg for what was *probably* just a bad cap! A week later, our M149 was sounding strange, so Neumann once again. I'd sure like to find someone in LA too...

[theboat]

Tom Herzer is a great mic tech. And I know he's worked on many U67s.
His number is .818 353 3646. Tell him Danny from the Boat sent ya!

[Allan Speers]

CtMatin,

if you're going to ship the mic anyway, there are quite a few options besides neumann:

I definitely think SPA is the best, but the time issue is insane, so:


In the USA:

Bill Bradley -The Mic Shop http://WWW.MICSHOP.COM/

Klause Heyne, German Masterworks
GM@GermanMasterworks.com (503) 695-3410

Tracy Korby -don’t have the url or number.


IN EUROPE:

Sonic World -This guy is amazing, and very honest.
http://www.sonicworld.de/


Studio Technik http://www.hestudiotechnik.de/englis...ew/neumann.htm

[talco]

Thanks for the tip Danny. And thanks for the out of town links Allan. I know of those guys but it's good to have the contact info.
Also emailed Kevin @upscaleaudio but apparently he doesn't sell microphone tubes.

[Allan Speers]

"Also emailed Kevin @upscaleaudio but apparently he doesn't sell microphone tubes. "

Bummer. He used to.

The EF86 isn't all that popular in Hi-Fi units, I guess.

Here's a few sellers I've had good luck with in the past. No idea about their current stock:

http://vacuumtubeaudio.com/ -That's ATSI. probably your best bet.
http://www.raretubes.com/
http://www.geocities.com/nikolic_lj_...ctronTubes.htm
http://www.electron-valve.com/
http://www.mjq.co.uk/sales/tubes.html
http://www.classicvalves.com/
http://www.vacuumtubesinc.com/

BTW: Altough the Telefunken EF806 is a great tube, the Tele EF86 BLOWS. Very thin and lifeless. trust me on this one! Amperex White label are pretty good, and actually might be great in a 67 as they are very bright. Brimar blackplates are great,full, rich, and neutral, but EXTREMELY hard to find. If you want deadly midrange, try a Mullard CV4085

You know, I really need a life.......