2. vintage
  3. 162528-82253

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
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Shipping is shipping. You pays your money.... Double-pack, with at least 1" styrofoam between inner and outer cartons. Plaster the outside with GLASS and FRAGILE and HIGH END FURNITURE. There are also SHOCK DAMAGE units, little plastic stick-ons with an exposed glass vial. Shippers see that and they are careful. They may not care about your amps but they sure will care about that stupid glass vial because that breaks and they are looking at a damage claim almost guaranteed.

Finally, on the return, have it shipped Hold For Pickup and you come and pick it up at the station.  

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,502 posts
 
Good advice.
tom2015 OP
89 posts
 
Thanks for the shipping input. The shock damage units are a good idea.
unsound
7,314 posts
 
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.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,266 posts
 
A friend who delivers for UPS told me to NEVER put a “fragile, glass or breakable” stickers on your package as it a sure way to get the item damaged. You really have no idea what goes on in the UPS warehouse. 
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