2. amps-preamps
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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 1 response by glissando

glissando
35 posts
 
Audiogon is a very strange place. I’m simply asking if this price is in the right range and getting some really strange responses that don’t answer that question.
@jnehma1 This forum is, well, interesting. I’m constantly amazed at the willingness (need?) some have to pontificate. I guess you have to enjoy it for it’s entertainment value. A few do share useful information.

The price for your rebuild sounds high.

I’ve had the best techs rebuild classic amps a few times in the last 30 years and while it is tedious work I wouldn’t call it difficult. In the last 15 years I’ve learned to do it myself and it can be a fun Sunday afternoon project.

One anecdote. I bought a used Threshold S2 Stasis for $650 in 1990. When 1 channel started cutting out I had it repaired by Jon Soderberg. He worked for Threshold back in the day. He charged $450 to replace 1 power cap and 1 wire. Pretty pricey at the time but the amp still sounds great and I’ve recently seen the same amp sell for $2K as they’re getting scarce.
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