Music Reference RM-9 mkII Refurbished and upgraded 2017 by designer Roger Modjeski

If you have been wanting an RM-9, this is an unusual chance to have one that is "as new". This is one of the first 100 RM-9's made (serial #43). Earlier this year this amplifier went through a full reconditioning and refurbish ($450 value) by Roger Modjeski himself in which he:

- cleaned and full bench tested it
- replaced parts as needed
- redid solder joints as needed, both point to point and circuit traces
- installed new RCA inputs
- installed a brand new complete wooden casing
- installed a new power switch with soft start feature

He then installed eight NOS matched Seimens EL34 tubes and new RAM input tubes (another $1000+ value on top of the $450); tubes now have only 175 hours on them.

Following the refurbish and tube replacements, the amp tested as new. Then Roger upgraded the amp to Mk2 status ($900 value) with brand new power supply chokes and associated caps, and Roger's favorite Cardas binding posts. Note: He did not bother installing fuses for each tube. However, there several material advantages over and above even the normal Mk2:

1. The chokes used were made in house and are superior to normal Mk2 chokes
2. Roger installed a soft-start power switch. Really nice, never a sound on turn-on. He says it is the only RM-9 with this feature installed by him.
3. It has the desirable feedback switch (high/med/low), which was not available on later production.

I put a retail of $4k because to duplicate this amplifier you would need to buy a used original RM-9 in excellent condition for around $2000, then pay $450 for refurbish, $900 for fresh MkII upgrade, and $1000 for the matched NOS matched input tubes and matched Seimens EL34 tubes from RAM Labs/Music Reference. This is as close to buying a brand new MkII as possible. You can find an RM-9 for $2000 but it will end up costing you far more than $500 for tubes and repairs over even the short haul. This one is ready to go for years and has the best nos seimens tubes.

Due to an unexpected change in speakers, have decided to go another direction. I paid $3500 for this amp just four months ago.

Cosmetically, the wooden casing is perfect since it is brand new. The rest of the amp (transformer covers, horizontal plate, etc) is in very nice condition but there very superficial marks here and there in the right light. I don't want you to expect cosmetic perfection but there are no major scratches and it is a strong "8" cosmetically, and the casing is a "10". I have a photocopy of the manual and factory boxes. The power cord is a fixed type. No cage.

Tony or Roger at Music Reference would be happy to vouch for the facts above and its provenance. It's a special piece and you won't find an RM-9 like this easily. I am also happy to provide a copy of the dated invoice for $3500.

I live in St. Louis MO (ZIP 63017), and would be happy to drive up to three hours to meet. However, I can ship it at the buyer's cost. The box is 21 x 16 x 11 inches and weighs 80 lbs