beatcomber
AK Member
I have two vintage pieces in semi-working condition. I'm trying to decide which one to send out for repair/overhaul, since my DIY skills are pretty basic at best. I got both of these for FREE from generous friends, so there was no initial investment on either.
Which one is the better performer and should get fixed first?
1.) Technics SU-8080 (circa 1977)
72wpc integrated amp, lots of switches and knobs, two phono inputs, can accept MC or MM carts, etc. etc. All functions seem to be basically working, but the switches cut in and out. I tried spraying with contact cleaner from the outside, but if might need a deeper cleaning inside or possible replacements. The biggest concern, however, is sound quality. It sounds boxy and somewhat harsh. Is it just a poor-sounding amp design, or have the caps gone out of spec? It seems like it should be a quality amp, it's very heavy and solid.
2.) Carver MXR-150 aka "The Receiver" (circa 1984)
150wpc monster receiver. Sounds great, except the tuner section doesn't work (I don't care about that) and most importantly, the RCA inputs for the phono section are damaged and do not work properly (hum problem and no left channel). Oddly, if I use an internally grounded turntable (ie: AT-PL120), it works fine, but not with any other TT.
Which one should be resurrected first?
Which one is the better performer and should get fixed first?
1.) Technics SU-8080 (circa 1977)
72wpc integrated amp, lots of switches and knobs, two phono inputs, can accept MC or MM carts, etc. etc. All functions seem to be basically working, but the switches cut in and out. I tried spraying with contact cleaner from the outside, but if might need a deeper cleaning inside or possible replacements. The biggest concern, however, is sound quality. It sounds boxy and somewhat harsh. Is it just a poor-sounding amp design, or have the caps gone out of spec? It seems like it should be a quality amp, it's very heavy and solid.
2.) Carver MXR-150 aka "The Receiver" (circa 1984)
150wpc monster receiver. Sounds great, except the tuner section doesn't work (I don't care about that) and most importantly, the RCA inputs for the phono section are damaged and do not work properly (hum problem and no left channel). Oddly, if I use an internally grounded turntable (ie: AT-PL120), it works fine, but not with any other TT.
Which one should be resurrected first?
