How can I learn how to fix equipment

You should definitely check out DIYaudio.com boards.

Also, there are some basic electronics sites easily found, such as this one:

http://www.bonavolta.ch/hobby/en/audio/audioel.htm

First Rule, Make sure the power is off. Practice and read.

Most kits today are designed to give you an easy-to-build quality product. Heathkits were primarily designed to teach you how the thing worked, and most of them were not of the highest level of performance. But that's how I learned about circuits, long before I took any formal EE education.

It's certainly a much more sensible and attainable goal than do it yourself neurosurgery or neurosurgery in eight weeks at home.

Thanks for the advise, I wonder if anybody knows of a home study program? Trouble shoot is what I would like to know, and maybe what I could do to up-grade a piece.