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Kondo Ongaku needing advise

Need advise from members. 

This is my Kondo ongaku amp. I bought it brand new from a US dealer in 2008. I started notice some discolouration 2-3 years ago on the copper chassis. It is getting worse. It likes kind of rusting but it is NOT on the surface. It is growing from the inside of the chassis. If you feel the surface of the chassis by hand you cannot feel it and the surface is smooth. The local dealer inspected the amp and found nothing wrong except the chassis. All other plates are in mint condition as I really take good care of it. I emailed Kondo Japan company and they asked me to ship it back to the company for repair/ replacement. I live in Asia and, even do, the company quoted me USD 6500 for replace of that chassis. Anyone has a better idea of what it is and how to treat? It’s a bit too expensive to replace one chassis at the cost of USD 6500.


nicksun
testpilot
897 posts
 
If the oxidation is merely on the inside of the amp i.e. not seen,  I wouldn't be too concerned.  My understanding is that copper was used for it's EMI/RFI shielding properties. 
rsf507
2,242 posts
 
Nice amp but way to euphoric IMO. Have heard it at least 6-8 times over the years and just couldn’t warm up to it, nor could ever afford one. 
Sorry to hear of your issue, seems 6500 is way to expensive nor worth the expense of shipping back and forth to Japan. If sonics are not affected just enjoy.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
Gotta say that euphonic amps make me euphoric.
jond's avatar
jond
5,699 posts
 
Owning a Kondo Ongaku would make me euphoric indeed.
mickeyb
543 posts
 
Clean with brasso and apply a clear lacquer. It will take time but not 6500 usd of your time. I did this to an old Sherwood and it turned out beautifully. That’s a great piece and worth the elbow grease. 
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