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

Showing 4 responses by charles1dad

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 
@ atmasphere (Ralph) you say the replacement cost for the large multiple filter caps is 800 to 1200.00. Then teo_audio says 15.00 max cost per cap. Also roberjerman says these caps are quite inexpensive. Are you all referring to the ’same’ capacitors? Such a vast cost spectrum being cited. Ralph you build and repair audio electronics and would know. Just curious as to the wide variance of price.
Charles
Hi jenehma,
Maybe I’m inferring things differently than you. It seems that people are taking the time to provide context to assist you in your decision. Sometimes the best answer isn’t a ’simple ’ yes or no. The amplifier  certainly has little if any value in its present condition. All factors considered 1300.00 seems reasonable as a few others have alluded to. Good Luck,
Charles
I agree with the perspective of Elliot and Jafant, well reasoned and stated.
Charles