View Full Version : Stereo Amplifier repair recommendations
Our stereo amp needs to be repaired. We sadly took it to AAAA Teva before the whole fraud thing came about; they charged an exorbitant amount and didn't even open the damn thing, as far as I can tell.
Can anyone recommend a reputable place in the south metro area?
We also won't deal with Gold Sound.
Thanks!
Downtown radio I think it's called. I had an inky I repaired there on warranty. A little slow and pricey, but.
SideShow Bob
11-22-2015, 23:13
What's the age and brand ?
I would say Dr Dan, but I think he does work for Gold Sound too.
What was the issue there?
What's the age and brand ?
Technics SU-V707. Early 80s, as far as I can tell.
I would say Dr Dan, but I think he does work for Gold Sound too.
What was the issue there?
When we went of Gold Sound, we thought we'd died and gone to stereo heaven. There was a young guy that was very nice and full of good advice and information, and we thought that we'd found a place that we could both expand and repair our stack components.
We received a turntable that could play 78s, but it needed a needle. I called Gold Sound to see if they had needles in stock; I gave them the information on the turntable, took photos of it and then we drove there.
Apparently, there are three guys that work there, each specializing in a different stereo component. The 'turntable dude' wasn't in. Nobody would even check for the needle without hizzoner's say-so, so we left empty-handed and more than a little cheesed off.
About a month later, we were over on Buckley and I thought again about that needle. I called Gold Sound, confirmed they had needles in stock, but found out they were closing in an hour. We hauled a$$ across town during rush hour, made it there in time before they closed...and were subjected to the most condescending, supercilious treatment I have experienced outside of Maryland. Think Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons, times three. No, they would no sell us the needle. They would do nothing until we brought the record player into the store. It didn't matter that I had the information with me. It didn't matter that I had photos of the thing. Yes, they had the needle in stock but they weren't going to get it until we brought in the record player. Clearly we didn't understand about delicate electronics.
We left at that point.
Technics SU-V707. Early 80s, as far as I can tell.
http://www.thevintageknob.org/technics-SU-V707.html
Oh, "microchip" bias circuit...
I wouldn't touch it myself. If Dr Dan couldn't fix it, I'm not sure there's much to be done. Lots of older IC's and custom power pack IC's are no longer in production.
My best advice would be to join audiokarma.org and ask around in there if anyone knows how to fix. Possibly cheaper in the long run to ship it to someone that can repair it. Considering replacement cost for a working unit of the same model, it's not really cost effective unless it has some sentimental value.
When we went of Gold Sound, we thought we'd died and gone to stereo heaven. There was a young guy that was very nice and full of good advice and information, and we thought that we'd found a place that we could both expand and repair our stack components.
We received a turntable that could play 78s, but it needed a needle. I called Gold Sound to see if they had needles in stock; I gave them the information on the turntable, took photos of it and then we drove there.
Apparently, there are three guys that work there, each specializing in a different stereo component. The 'turntable dude' wasn't in. Nobody would even check for the needle without hizzoner's say-so, so we left empty-handed and more than a little cheesed off.
About a month later, we were over on Buckley and I thought again about that needle. I called Gold Sound, confirmed they had needles in stock, but found out they were closing in an hour. We hauled a$$ across town during rush hour, made it there in time before they closed...and were subjected to the most condescending, supercilious treatment I have experienced outside of Maryland. Think Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons, times three. No, they would no sell us the needle. They would do nothing until we brought the record player into the store. It didn't matter that I had the information with me. It didn't matter that I had photos of the thing. Yes, they had the needle in stock but they weren't going to get it until we brought in the record player. Clearly we didn't understand about delicate electronics.
We left at that point.
I'm not surprised given the little I know about that shop. The owner Ron dinked around with me for weeks quite a few years ago trying to get an old pair of JBL speakers I had on CL on the cheap. I finally just told him to stop calling me about them.
However, I know "Dr. Dan" and as far as I know he just grinds out repairs from the back room and also does it on the side from his home. He's never struck me as anyone that would treat a customer like that. Without knowing for certain, I'd just have to guess you didn't interact with Dan. I doubt he ever works the front of the shop.
SideShow Bob
11-23-2015, 18:13
What brutal said. Finding the needed parts is the hardest part, especially the final amp power packs.
Upgrade and sell the old off for parts.
Yamaha has re-entered the 2-channel market with some really sweet gear.
http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/hifi-components/amps/
jerrymrc
11-23-2015, 22:08
Having owned a SU-V8 I am surprised yours lasted as long as it did. Mine had issues at about the 8 year mark. It was replaced by an A-500 back then. Do look at the Yamaha line up.[Flower]
I looked at the Yamaha lineup. They're really nice!
May have to wait until next year for the actual purchase...;)
I looked at the Yamaha lineup. They're really nice!
May have to wait until next year for the actual purchase...;)
Personally, I haven't heard any of the newer stuff but reports are glowing that they are quite glorious for their respective price points.
I keep thinking I should sell off the Yamaha museum here and just pick up a few of the new pieces. Yes, I am biased.
Have to chime in to also promote Yamaha.
jerrymrc
11-24-2015, 21:57
Personally, I haven't heard any of the newer stuff but reports are glowing that they are quite glorious for their respective price points.
I keep thinking I should sell off the Yamaha museum here and just pick up a few of the new pieces. Yes, I am biased.
Never.......[Flower]
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