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
Re. Phil’s response “The actual job to replace 8 capacitors is less than 30 minutes, and the cost of 8 capacitors is less than $100. The remaining is profit or "rip off" fee...”

World Class ridiculous statement...and gives great insight into why brick and mortar and skilled techs are becoming a thing of the past.

Ask these posters to do their jobs for free and see what response you get.


Ingnorance.
If you categorically refer to profit as “ripoff fee”  I can’t help you.

There are too many in this world that want something for nothing.  

Hello jnehma1.  You might inquire about what kind of replacement parts they are planning to use. Delund capacitors can run hundreds of dollars each. Nice Mundorfs easily run $15-50 each. Don't settle for anything less than Mundorfs. Still, the labor seems high. BUT, can you replace it with a new amp for that kind of money? Odessy, NuPrime, Parasound do make nice amps in the $1000-2000 range. If you love the amp, I'd say go for it. If you don''t, let it go and write off the $115 to ship it as the cost of "education & experience." Life is full of decisions; this one isn't life or death. Happy Listening.