FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

This is the page you want to look at before contacting us to see if the answer is here. We love talking to customers, and as some questions keep popping up, we figure why not answer them here. I hope it helps. This page will grow over time and edited when necessary.

Is my audio gear worth fixing?

This may seem like a harsh question, but it is a question you need to ask yourself.

The short answer is if you can find another functioning model for less than $150, you may want to pick that option.

The long answer requires asking yourself more questions.

Can I find the same thing in functioning condition for a decent price?
Am I willing to spend more than it’s worth to fix it?
Am I willing to spend money to find out if it’s fixable?
Am I open to restoration over repair? (this may be answered in the next FAQ)

Here’s the deal. Most electronics that are worth fixing will have cost a bit back in the day and be valued at prices over $300 or more today, with some models selling for more than they cost new back in the 70’s and 80’s. This will include all the big brands like Marantz, Sansui, Pioneer, Kenwood, Yamaha, Luxman, McIntosh … these are well-known brands that are usually in high demand. If you have any of these, you will want to seriously plan on getting it restored. More on that in the next FAQ.

Repair or Restoration?

The short answer is that when you repair, you are only delaying a bigger failure in time.

The long answer is that “fixing” a piece of audio so that it functions, is a short-term solution. It will almost always result in a bigger more costly failure in a matter of weeks to months, depending on how you use it. For this reason, most highly qualified techs only do restorations. I’m 100% in agreement.

The time it takes to repair electronics, requires pulling circuit boards and dismantling the unit to some degree. Unfortunately, the idea of “repair” or “fixing” sets an unrealistic expectation that somehow the unit should be able to function properly over a long period of time. Maybe a year or more. So when the “repaired” unit starts showing a different set of problems, it’s easy to get the sense that you wasted money. In some cases, this sours the whole experience of “vintage” HiFi. It is one reason we offer new products. There are some audio lovers that prefer to buy something that works, with a warranty and get high quality audio in their home.