FAQs

I only accept phone calls from clients whose device is on my bench.

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.

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.

I only work on 2 channel solid state home audio equipment generally made between 1950-1985. For more information, read my Repairs Page.

Check my list Here.

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.

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.

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.

See my About page or How Can I Learn to Repair Stereos page.

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.

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.

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.

I am a big fan of Yamaha as a whole. The CR xx20 series receivers (220 through 3020) are really solid. Their CA xx10 series integrated amps are great as are the prior CA xx00 series but I prefer the xx10 series as they worked out a few design flaws from the xx00 series. I also really like Harman Kardon, especially the Twin Power receivers (430-930 models) and the Citation series of separates (Citation Twelve Deluxe is gorgeous). Sansui is another favorite for receivers. the X0X0 series (5050-9090 models) are great with the 7070 being the sweet spot for design and sound for me. Sansui also made some phenomenal integrated amps like the AU 717, 719, 919, and other series of integrateds.

I don't keep up with much modern gear but I have liked what I've seen from Yamaha, Leak Audio, NAD, or Luxman.

As for speakers, I like Yamaha, KEF, Tannoy, Altec, and some of the higher end JBL models like the L200 or L300.

• Fisher 800B: Favorite of the 800 series fishers for its look. The 800 series are some of the best tube receivers ever made.
• Yamaha CR 1020: Gorgeous looks and love the sound of Yamaha.
• Pioneer SX 1250: Great looks and one of the best if not the best designed receiver made in the 70's. Easy to work on and beautiful inside and out.
• Sansui 7070, 8080, or 9090: Great looks. I love the 7070 at 65wpc for most anything but if you need more power the others are great and very similar layout.
• Harman Kardon 430, 630, 730, or 930 twin power: Amazing sound and very cool looking.