Is it worth it to repair a cj pv2ar?


I bought a used cj pv2ar preamp off the audiogon classifieds 10 years ago. It has served me well to this point, hooked up to a cj mv-55 and meadowlark kestrel.

A recent repair estimate (needs new power supply, caps and a transistor or two) was $520. Considering I bought it for less than $200, and there are newer cj preamps available used for a little more money (pv10a for $650), is it worth repairing?

Does anyone feel the pv-2ar is not a great match for the mv-55?

I listen to mostly jazz on vinyl and prefer a warmer, fuller sound.

Thanks,

sanjay
skedhar
Thanks for all the help. I had the estimate done at Analogique SYstem Labs in New York City. The total was $520 for the following:

"problems in the power supply section"
"replace parts: filter caps, diodes, regulation, etc."
"repair cold solder joints"
"clean and lube switches and controls"

I agree that the price seems high, so I canceled the repairs.
If anyone has a suggestion for someone who would do the work at a reasonable rate in New York, I'd appreciate it. Otherwise, I'll probably take the advice of selling it and upgrading.

All your advice has been really appreciated.

Best,

Sanjay
Why don't you send the pre amp back to cj for repair. they might even have some upgrades they can do to enhance the sound.
I agree, I would sell it as is, and move into a PV5 if you like that full sound. It has it in spades, and should be pretty trouble free to boot.
Sold both back in the day - PV-5 was less noisy - both are sorta classic "tube" sound and there's nothing wrong with music that comes thru them.Frankly -even a PV-5 is old enough to have some potential problems ( electrolytic caps)- if you enjoy your 2ar - I'd consider putting the money into restoring it.C-J or Bill Thalman may charge you some real money to restore your pre-amp - but they have the specific experience with that product to know what to replace and what to replace with - something that a guy who has only worked on a few of your model of pre-amp has to take a semi-educated guess at?Big thing is this - if you enjoy what you've got - it's worth investing in it over taking a blind stab at something that may or may not suit you.