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Austin, TX Shops/Techs for Restoration of Solid State 70s Amps?

CelticKnot

CelticKnot

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
Friends,

I recently purchased two vintage 70s amps. One needs a SERIOUS going through (likely recap and new transistors, etc.), the other just needs a blowout and onceover. I live in Austin, TX. Any reputable shops that will carefully restore these gems?

Gracias in advance.

@Mods, my apologies if this is not the correct forum; please relocate as needed.
 
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Maybe mention the amps make/model then people can comment on the degree of difficulty.
A Sansui AU-717 would be a tough gig while an Akai AA-810 would be a breeze.
 
If you use Facebook, you might ask for recommendations from the Austin Audiophiles group. I have used Austin Stereo and R&B Stereo for repairs, primarily tube gear. Both have a waiting list, but I believe that Austin Stereo's wait is longer.
 
I have used SPACE BABY before and had very good results. He is a 'solo-practitioner' with a good history in that area of hardware. He restored a difficult cassette deck at a very reasonable price and time. He is by appointment, but is a very cool guy.
www.spacebabyaudio.com

SPACE BABY AUDIO

www.spacebabyaudio.com www.spacebabyaudio.com
 
Boonaroo said:
Maybe mention the amps make/model then people can comment on the degree of difficulty.
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Yeah, that makes sense. I have a Sony STR-7800 SD and a Sansui 4000 I just picked up. The Sony is in pretty good shape but the Sansui is going to need a bunch of work.

Mingo said:
I have used Austin Stereo and R&B Stereo for repairs, primarily tube gear.
Click to expand...

Boonaroo said:
I have used SPACE BABY before and had very good results. He is a 'solo-practitioner' with a good history in that area of hardware. He restored a difficult cassette deck at a very reasonable price and time. He is by appointment, but is a very cool guy.
Click to expand...

Thanks guys!

Cheers!
 
The 7800 seems to be working almost perfectly, except I just noticed that the muting switch has a delay (of when the muting kicks in) in one speaker and sometimes kicks in/out. Otherwise this thing is the coolest, sexiest thing I've ever laid eyes/ears on (besides my wife of course). Kinda in love with it. Sorry fellas, not for sale. :)

The 4000 is only playing out of one channel, and it's crackly and weak. This guy is going to need some serious love.
 
Boonaroo said:
The Sony STR-7800 SD is a beauty and beast. It would also be the easier of them to restore.
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It really is. Fortunately I don't think it really needs much work, but I will still have it looked at.

On the other hand, the Sansui 4k will need a ton of work, methinks. :oops: Oh well, it's a nice piece too and likely worth it.
 
I have some...modest... soldering skills, for the Sansui is it worth trying to tackle this myself with one of the readily-available online "rebuild" kits? I don't have any diagnostic equipment other than a DMM so I'm not sure if I'd just be throwing my money away and possibly bricking a piece of history.
 
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CelticKnot said:
I have some...modest... soldering skills, for the Sansui is it worth trying to tackle this myself with one of the readily-available online "rebuild" kits? I don't have any diagnostic equipment other than a DMM so I'm not sure if I'd just be throwing my money away and possibly bricking a piece of history.
Click to expand...

Someone may be willing to take the Sansui as parts/as is unit. If the casing and front are decent, an early 70's tech may take it for a reasonable price. Give you something to fund a system around the Sony.
 
Thanks; I'm going to pop the top of the Sansui sometime this weekend and give it a good blast with compressed air, contact cleaner and some Deoxit probably. See how it reacts to all that. Might even head to Home Depot and build myself a dim bulb tester! If it's still wonky after all that and fuses don't help, I may take you up on your suggestion. But I thought I would like to get this one brought back up into nice working order even if I have to pay someone to put it on a bench and go through it.

I have a pair of Klipsch KG-4s that I can use as speakers for the Sony; they'll take 100wpc and I'm the original owner so they've been in conditioned space their entire life. Good intermediate pair for this guy.

I appreciate all the suggestions. I'm just getting into this and the advice is welcome.
 
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