kamika215 Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 So I am pretty bummed. I took my beloved, old school stereo console in for repairs and the estimate has me floored. I mean it wasn't entirely unexpected, but still. I guess I am posting about it because I am looking for you guys to tell me, "Definitely not worth it. Get a new system." or "He's ripping you off man!" Little history... I've had it for two years. Purchased cheap and it's served me well despite a small hole in one of the speaker grille cloths (which has gotten progressively bigger thanks to my son). I was finally motivated to bring it for repair after it started struggling to spin records. It couldn't maintain speed and would wheeze to a stop. Anyways, here's what he said: "Just as a preliminary evaluation with all the components involved I wanted to be clear with the work going forward. We have 4 main components to deal with plus take-apart, reassembly & testing as a complete system, amplifier, tuner-preamplifier, phono, & speakers w/ grille cloth. I see this going over $500 but under $1,000. Not to scare you off but this was a very high end stereo in its day and still very desirable today as a TUBE stereo. I see sellers on eBay pulling just the amplifier out and selling for $200 to $300. What a shame to tear-apart a nice system like this. So, I think its worth repairing but need you to be comfortable, too. They will never make anything like this again! We will have a closer estimate within 2-weeks as we start troubleshooting & repairing, starting with the amp, then moving forward to the next component. OK, to proceed ?" So... what do you guys think? I know nothing about antiques. I know little about systems (I just want to play my records). What would you do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxmartinxx Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 For between $500-$1000 you can buy a nice used modern stereo. The built in turntables on these are usually vinyl destroyers. The speakers are placed in less than optional locations. They're big and stupid. I'd pull the power amps and scrap the rest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidamnesiac Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 Yeah. Don't bother getting that fixed. While they are sure to make all your hipster pals swoon, the fact is that modern turntables are streets ahead of these old all-in-ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allenh Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 For between $500-$1000 you can buy a nice used modern stereo. The built in turntables on these are usually vinyl destroyers. The speakers are placed in less than optional locations. They're big and stupid. I'd pull the power amps and scrap the rest. Pretty much nailed it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardcore Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 all that said, the right thing to do is at least try to sell it to a collector who is interested in restoring versus simply demolishing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jase Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 I think what the repair guy is doing, is over quoting, so that he will be within budget. And the price quoted is for replacing or repairing all four components. You could try and take some of that work on yourself. Take your time, learn about the components and how they work. It will be extremely self satisfying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
circuit bored records Posted April 26, 2014 Share Posted April 26, 2014 "Definitely not worth it. Get a new system." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamika215 Posted April 26, 2014 Author Share Posted April 26, 2014 Appreciate it everyone. Thanks. I suppose I am on the market. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.