Anyone here own a Pro VLA that has had problems with it?

[Seeker of Rock]

Hmmm....re-mounted some of my equipment yesterday from a standing rack to the spaces on the new console I built, and the Pro VLA didn't want to fire up. Nada, nothing, when I turn on power. It only had about 20 hours of use prior to storing it for about a year and a half in a climate controlled area.
So I open it up and check the fuse, the wiring, tubes...nothing detectable or loose.
Just curious if others have had any similar issues?

[MOFO Pro]

http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=230921

[jmorris]

I have had a PRO VLA for years and once in a while it does not light up BUT it IS on. Maybe check that. Then again, you may have a totally different situation. Tube as stated is a good place to start.
Jim

[Seeker of Rock]

Tubes look new (as they should after 20 hours of use) and I reseated them. Fuse is not burnt. Fortunately, this carries a 5 year warranty and I'm sure I have the receipt. Looks like it is going for a little ride.

[jmorris]

I live in Rochester where ART is located. They are very good about repairs and warranty. I have walked in with a piece of gear and had it fix for free a few times!

[Seeker of Rock]

Good. Sounds like a winner because I really do like this thing. While I was looking inside it got me thinking about the tubes...wasn't there a recommended upgrade/switchout for NOS tubes or something? Anyone use it and is it worth doing?

[mamm7215]

I love mine. I upgraded my tubes to JJ ECC81, they're 12AT7 replacements. You can find them at www.eurotubes.com. They're a better tube than stock but if I did it again I'd pony up for some NOS Raytheon 5751's. Supposedly slightly less gain but way cleaner sound. I'm also about to put OPA2604 op-amps in replacing the TL072's on the input stages for each channel. I've heard that that's a more noticeable improvement than tubes. FWIW, I haven't had any problems with mine and ART has a great customer service reputation. Good Luck!

[Seeker of Rock]

Op amps, huh? Over my head, but I wonder if that is the mod Jim Williams does equipment. For some reason I thought it was capacitors or something he changed on my LXP-15II. Yeah, it really is an effective unit. Still haven't gotten a chance to ship it out, but I have the return auth. number...just a matter of time to get it out. As a follow up, it did come with a spare fuse that I put in, just to make sure (the original fuse still had contact along the element and no browning of the glass) and the second I powered it up with the lid off, I saw the dreaded small flash of light that took the fuse. I'll check those fuses out. I have a TASCAM 32 I'll be mixing down to now, so I would imagine the VLA is not going to be pushed as hard as I'll get some tape compression with the new machine and should be able to push the levels there, but it will still be in the chain.