Audio Research Dim Read-out on the CD-3 display............


Does anyone have any first hand knowledge on the dim readout on the function screen of the Audio Research CD-3 ..........You can hardly read it ???    The cost to repair ???  Any easy fix  ???          THANKS
autospec
Well here's the deal from the powers at Audio Research.....The read out panel does go out on these CD-3's with time.........The new panel is 50.00, but they will no longer sell parts to anyone, other than a Audio Research dealer.....But they will repair it for 300.00 plus shipping both ways, which in my case about 55.00 each way.......The Italians that now own Audio Research would like that money to go back home, and I don't mean USA........That's my story 
An obvious question, but can you ask a AR dealer to order it for you? Or is the dealer also going to ask for another $100 to do so?
autospec OP

If your just a little mechanical (ie can you change a tap washer) you can replace this yourself for $70. Just 4 screws and 3 push-on connectors.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Audio-Research-CD-Player-VFD-Display-Board-PWB668B-CD1-CD2-CD3-/112840640305
I would say to the seller, if it works fine, if not a refund has to be done. 

Cheers George
Funny this...

ARC wants 50 bucks for a new display. The guy on EBAY wants 70 for a used display that is sold as is for repair. And some VFDs just go dim on all kinds of equipment. So if its as old as the one you have now...

ARC repairs are expensive, always were, but they do a pretty good job. Still, I totally hated forking over the money so I get it. $300 seems kind of steep but $50 for the part seems pretty reasonable. You should see their tube prices. If you can find an authorized shop that would swap it for a reasonable labor cost I'd go for it.

If there's no guaranty on the display I think I'd pass. 70 bucks and it doesn't work you're still in the same boat and 70 bucks poorer. Might be a false economy there. 
Its funny , but the 70.00 guy doesn't even say the thing will fit the CD-3.....Its really a shame that Audio Research has to even go this way....Whats a wrong with selling parts to a Audio Research person.....If I need a 3.00 part, how would I ever get one from a dealer....There's no profit, so the dealer isn't going to get it, or it will take forever....It has been taking two weeks to get something from Audio Research....I have over 50 pieces of Audio Research stuff that I can't buy parts direct for anymore.....I probably need to get rid of most of it and call it good....Most of that other Audio Research stuff on ebay is either junk or dug out of the trash at Audio Research....Another great American company heading south ???    Autospec