22-04-2023, 12:07 PM
(22-04-2023, 11:11 AM)Bushbaby Wrote: However, this is now obviously with me that I will need to deal with this directly to avoid paying out over the odds.
But what if something goes wrong?
No disrespect intended, but you won't have anything like the experience, skills and knowledge that this engineer has. He will be able to sort any unexpected issues that crop up with no drama, and probably no extra expense (because he knows to expect problems with old equipment that doesn't like to be disturbed). You're not just paying for a few caps and a bit of labour - you're paying for a lifetime of learning and experience.
Yes, as I said earlier, there will be a "hi-fi premium" with this particular engineer. And why not - most hi-fi enthusiasts are extremely passionate and have deep pockets. And as you say, not many engineers want to get involved with these bits of kit. That's partly because of the possible problems that might occur, but it's also because they might not want to deal with hi-fi enthusiasts.
Either way, if you decide to attempt a repair yourself - not that we actually know if any such repair is needed yet - then you must be honest with yourself. This is a complicated bit of kit that was made a long time ago, and - worst case - you might wreck it. Yes, that's unlikely, but you must accept that it is a possibility before diving in. And remember, any engineer is going to charge a lot more to sort out someone else's mess, if they're willing to take it on at all. And you'd stand no chance of getting your near-£500 back.
In short, I'd keep looking for an engineer.
I don't quite follow the logic that the overhaul quote is unacceptable because it's more than the purchase price. Especially as you say that you got them for a "very good price". It's like wanting a classic car, finding one in unrestored condition and not being willing to restore it because the cost of restoration exceeds the purchase price. Of course, it could well be more than the car would be worth when finished, but that's not the point - you don't buy a classic car because of the financials, you buy it because you want to enjoy owning and using it. If you're lucky, it might appreciate during that time, and you could well end up making a bit overall when you sell it on, but that's not the reason to get into it.
I think the same logic has to apply to classic hi-fi. You didn't buy it to make money, you bought it because you wanted to listen to it. You got it at a good price, so you're already ahead. These things were around £500 when new, which is several thousand in today's money...
This advice is meant with the best of intentions. Hopefully Jeffrey's recommendation might lead somewhere.
