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Amp repair cost — is this right?

I recently sent my Musical Fidelity a308cr power amp off to be recapped. This amp is somewhere around 16-18 years old and one of the power caps failed. I contacted Musical Fidelity and sent it to a repair shop they recommended. Today I received an estimate to replace 18 caps, 8 of which are large power caps, resolder the boards, and re-bias the transistors. Basically a full overhaul. The quote I received, including return shipping (prob around $100) Is over $1,300 which possibly exceeds the value of the amp. That doesn’t include the $115 it cost me to ship it out. Having never had an overhaul done on a power amp like this, I’m wondering if anyone with experience can tell me if this sounds right. I guess I was expecting something more like $600-$800 but I don’t know why since I really don’t have a frame of reference. Perhaps it was the assumption it might be 4 hours labor (say $400) plus max $200 for caps. Is $1,300+ on track? Either way I’m going to be out the shipping cost plus a $160 fee paid for the estimate.
jnehma1
jnehma1 OP
111 posts
 
@ptss The tech I spoke to was Corey, not Bill, but yes he was very helpful and patient on the phone. Regardless of the cost questions surrounding my particular situation, it was an interaction that would make me feel good about doing business with them.
ptss
1,964 posts
 
@teo-audio. Your comments are appreciated as genuine and realistic. We all realize Rolex watches are make with some expensive parts and gold - but don't keep better time than, -- dare I say Timex ? :)  And those Rolex also state they require cleaning and tune up but do not provide better timekeeping - which is the goal of timepieces. No? So too with some expensive parts in some expensive audio equipment, they impress with high cost and cachet - but don't necessarily make said equipment "sound" better.
Spectral Audio has kept costs reasonable but avoiding "jewelry" type finish. I'm not dissing the gold plated audio equipment. It may look very pretty to some, and many people makes purchases to look impressive- to each their (careful not to discriminate here :) own ...
ptss
1,964 posts
 
@jnehma1.  Why not forward your gear to Teo Audio ? As a result of this conversation you're sure to get good service - and we will look forward to hearing about it :)
ptss
1,964 posts
 
Or Music Technologies?
whart's avatar
whart
3,033 posts
 
I used Bill Thalmann to restore a whole bunch of old components I owned for use in a second, vintage system. I dropped off all the equipment at his shop- got a tour-quite a place, packed to the gills with hi-fi, musical instruments, vintage electronic keyboards, etc. Bill did great work on a variety of equipment, from restoring an old SP-10 turntable to a vintage McI pre-tuner to a pair of ancient Quad II power amps. He helped me source some NOS tubes as well. Very nice guy, very good work, not crazy money. Just make sure you pack well. 
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