Threshold SA/1


Hi,
So I inherited a pair from my father who has used them for the last 20 years. Cosmetically in great condition, but one unit was unfortunately shipped upside down and one of the caps leaked. Last recap was early 2000s and they need to be voltage changed to 120v since they are from Europe. So they need to be recapped and fully serviced.

The options from what I can tell are sending them to Threshold in Texas, to Soderberg in CA or a qualified repair shop in the mid Atlantic. I live in DC. Cost quoted by Threshold and S. about 2k plus shipping both ways (200lb).
I am worried about the shipping as they are irreplaceable and I had UPS damage amps before.
- Are there any good repair shops in the mid Atlantic?
- If they have to be shipped - Soderberg or Threshold?
- Does anybody have experience with the amps. Which parts should be upgraded?

From what I read these are classics, Pass’s Stasis design, class A and look great with the analog meters.I remember they sounded good in the past, but would certainly like to hear them with my system.

Opinions?


tom2015

Showing 2 responses by unsound

FWIW, I have been led to believe that the original designer of your Threshold’s, Nelson Pass has endorsed his former Threshold employee Jan Soderberg’s work.
Some suggestions: Asking the delivery service what is required for fully insured delivery, and then video taping that process. Have the deliverer do the packing. Put them on a pallet and use a commercial shipper. Ask the receiver what delivery services seemed to work best.
BTW, I’ve had very satisfying results from Jan Sodetberg of Vintage Amp Repair. Having the work done by him or the new Threshold will increase the value , having unknown entities do the work could decrease the value. Hold on to receipts. Properly updated, these amps can compete with much more expensive newer amps.