Author: Mark Alexander

I like quirky.

I drive a MINI. I love my husband’s blue hair (I’d do it myself if I had any). And then there’s this:

A year and $400 later (believe me, a bargain!), these little buggers are finally back home after being completely refurbished.

How do they sound for all the time and expense? To be honest, not much different from what I remember. Every now and then I hear an instrument or riff come out that I don’t remember hearing before, but for the most part, still the same.

And that’s just fine.

I didn’t send them off in hopes they’d come back sounding better; Considering my 40 year history with these models, I knew exactly what they were capable of and didn’t expect a sonic miracle to occur. I sent them off because I knew after four decades, vintage audio gear, no matter how well it was built originally—even if it’s functioning normally and has no obvious sonic issues—needs some TLC. Capacitors leak or dry out. Transistors age. Resistors fall out of spec. Contacts tarnish. While the guy I chose to do this work came with high recommendations, I didn’t want to trust him with my then-newly-acquired Kenwood receiver—which also needed attention—right out of the gate. I wanted to make sure he knew what he was doing. If he fucked up these Technics units I’d be upset, but not as nearly upset as I’d be if the Kenwood got fried.

Yeah, it took months for him to start repairs (he’s apparently popular enough among the vintage community and this is such a niche profession these days that he has a full workload), but he was as professional and thorough as any of the guys I’ve seen performing similar work on YouTube.  Once he started repairs he kept me appraised of the progress, sending photos that explained what he was doing.

I now feel confident enough that I can entrust him with the Kenny…even if it will take 10 months to get it back I know it will be as close to “as new” as humanly possible thereafter.