2. amps-preamps
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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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi jnehma1, 
Agree, good thread. You generated insightful commentary from some of this site's very knowledgeable and experienced members. Good information for all. When I joined Audiogon 12 years ago this type of behavior and interaction was commonplace. 
Charles 
glupson
7,842 posts
 
"I already know what the amp is worth to me."

Why exactly are you asking us if $1300 repair is worth to you?
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,798 posts
 
Another +vote for AYRE customer service.
Happy Listening!
mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
Have them ship it back, sell it, and get something else on the used market.
Not adviseable to spend even $500 to swap out the caps. 
Here is your amp
https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk02MceG65SQYDS2ndUQE1nLmoHvcfg:1603415550268&source=univ...


Here is my Defy7 with 12 new Mundorf caps @ $50 each + a  bunch of F&T's.. The tech guy changed the small can Nichicon's which really sound exactly like the old ones = did not need changing. 
also changed the plate resistors to Takman Rey,,all cost about $800, well worth it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpVCbHX6jWU&t=355s
Tech guy did NOT remove the board,, he sniped leads and solder to lead tips.. Which makes the Defy now, unsellable, But I have no intentions to ever sell anyway. 


Tech geek's , some are honorable, others are scam artists, Which is why i preach the message, always buy a  amp that is built like a  tank and with high quality components.
Take the $200 ship fee loss ,
sell the amp and move on.
 There are plenty of amps on the used market. 
 Take the hit and move on. 

mickeyb
581 posts
 
700 at most. 1500 is gouging. I got a krell ksa completely redone for 650. That’s a beast. Btw, lumber has doubled in 6 months. That’s my line of work. 
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