FAQs
Contact/Repair services
Can I call you?
I only accept phone calls from clients whose device is on my bench.
Where are you located?
I am located in Bellingham, WA and do not accept drop in visits or on call service drop offs. See my Repairs Page for more info.
Is it worth having my receiver/amplifier restored?
This is a hot topic. Certain types of capacitors have a limited lifespan before they no longer meet spec. Other parts become noisy or leaky with time. Some parts are no longer available and are in circuit with other parts which are weak and would damage the unobtainable parts when they fail. Whether a repair/restoration is worth it depends on your attachment to the piece. If it's sentimental and you want it to last another 30 years, restoration is great and will do that if done properly, however, restorations are very time intensive and thus cost a lot.
Can you repair my gear?
I only work on 2 channel solid state home audio equipment generally made between 1950-1985. For more information, read my Repairs Page.
What shops can you personally recommend?
Check my list Here.
Gear for sale
Do you sell restored equipment?
Yes, from time to time. I am fully booked up with repair services and usually only sell one piece of equipment a month at most. I post stories on my Instagram and Facebook accounts when I start working on a piece that will be for sale and they usually sell before the restoration is even completed. I only sell pieces that have been fully restored and thus they are usually never cheaper than $1200 + shipping and tax for receivers/amplifiers.
I do list things for sale on my eBay from time to time. You can see what I have listed Here.
Where else can I buy gear?
Vintage audio equipment is popular and finding it at thrift stores is really hit or miss. Buying on eBay or Reverb can be great options if you buy from reputable sellers. You may have equipment damaged in shipping though. I recommend you to buy from a local stereo shop where the equipment is serviced or off of Facebook/Craigslist if you can find someone who will let you fully test the equipment in the future.
Repair Education
How did you learn to do this?
See my About page or How Can I Learn to Repair Stereos page.
Where to buy parts?
I buy electronics parts on Mouser and Digikey. Cosmetic and other rarer parts on eBay. If you're looking for replacement transistors, I have a transistors substitutions list Here.
If the transistor isn't on the list, Google the part number followed by "replacement" to see what people recommend. It may be specific to your unit so try searching the model number of your unit with the part number as well. Transistor subs are not simple like caps and may take a couple of options to find one that works well in your gear. More info on my How Can I Learn to Repair Stereos page.
How to find a transistor substitution?
I have a transistors substitutions list Here.
If the transistor isn't on the list, Google the part number followed by "replacement" to see what people recommend. It may be specific to your unit so try searching the model number of your unit with the part number as well. Transistor subs are not simple like caps and may take a couple of options to find one that works well in your gear. More info on my How Can I Learn to Repair Stereos page.
General
Do you purchase equipment?
I only purchase equipment if it is a good deal as I have a full inventory and need to be able to make money on equipment after fully restoring it for resale. I focus on equipment that does not work or has some issues but am open to buying large quantities at once depending on what the equipment is. Feel free to email me if your selection meets these standards.