Years ago I called Rotel when my amp lost a channel and a local shop quoted me $250. They connected me directly to a tech and he recommended I send it to him. Saved me from being screwed by that shop and $180.
Also, when I was working on a TT project I called vpi and I believe I talked to the owner. Very nice people, very helpful. I read here that the family is going through the toughest of times and my heart goes out to them.