Is a Technics SA 5370K worth it?

[sobolan]

I have the opportunity to get this thing for about 55$ and usually gear like this costs double or more on the auction sites in my country(even lo-fi gear is terribly overpriced). It looks good, no scratches, no dents. The add says that some stations do not come in in stereo all the time. It shouldn't be a big issue with a proper antenna.
I checked a schematic online and saw some unobtanium parts like double transistors. From what I saw its power outputs are those dreaded hybrid circuits? How serviceable is it? I don't want to end up with a big door stop. It will receive light use with bookshelf speakers.

Thanks

 

[Tom B]

I am not sure what schematic you are looking at. I found a Technics SA-5370 owners manual and schematic on HFE. It shows discreet output transistors 2SD588 and 2SB618?? Unless you found a SA-5370K that shows different circuits. Many times the last letter if any refers to where in the world it was distributed. Attach your schematic or pdf manual if you can, and I will check it out.
As far as the dual transistors, yes they can be impossible to find new, but sometimes used, or just using 2 discreet high gain low noise preamps will work.

 

[sobolan]

I found the schematic online. The difference of the "K" model is only in cabinet/colour. You are right. I got thrown off by the pictures online and the wide package of the outputs. It seems that they can be replaced by 2SA1943/2SC5200. So is there any serious flaw of this model? Something easily damaged and irreplaceable? Are the radio ic/s prone to fail? I usually have bad luck with stuff, that's why I am asking

 

[ryuuoh]

A little reading shows nothing out of the ordinary reliability-wise, just the usual issues with old gear. Dirty switches, lamps out, etc.

 

[sobolan]

I can deal with those, no problem. So thanks a lot for your help. This unit will be great for my small bedroom system I am planning to build.

 

[sobolan]

Well the thing arrived. Except for the knobs which have a "toy-like" feeling it is ok, clean, sounds good, lights work, the tuner will need a proper antenna. It will fit really nice in my bedroom. I saw a seller asking 120$ for a similar unit, well In my opinion it is not worth a cent over the 55$ I paid.

 

[jptowne]

I am a new member to Audio Karma but a long time Audio/Video fan.

I recently bought a Technics SA-5370 from an auction website (no returns). The receiver is in nearly new condition (little dust, no marks). It appears to work (everything lights up, buttons/knobs work) however, normal sound only comes from the right speaker. When the balance is turned all the left, you can hear very little sound. I tested with headphones and had same results. Test with external input (CD Player) and internal radio, same results. took cover off and inside looks perfect. What else can I check to determine the cause for the lack of volume from the left speaker? Thanks!

 

[EVBoy]

The first thing to do would be to use deoxit on the balance control.