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To repair or buy cheap?

I have a 30 year old tube receiver made by Quadraflex that I have been using for the bedroom and bathroom. (I've read the vintage section of AudioAsylum, but there isn't much info on Quadraflex. It may have been a house band made by Sanyo.) The speakers in each are just Cambridge Soundworks, and I don't have any plans to upgrade anytime soon. I listen mostly during and after my shower. :)

Unfortunatly, the amp, that has carried on all these years, is dying fast. It pops and crackles and generally makes nasty sounds. I spoke to someone who thinks he may be able to fix it for about $100. But there is no guarantee that it will work or for how long it will work after the repair.

My other option is to buy something inexpensive and solid state. I was looking at a Yamaha RX-495 or 496 for about $215.

What should I do? If I should buy, what should I buy?

Thanks!
joyelyse
kotta's avatar
kotta
638 posts
 
Quadraflex was a house brand of "Pacific Stereo" I believe.
I do not know whom made the equipment. I personally would look something along the lines of a 70's SS receiver. I really like the Kenwood KR series of receivers. Pioneers were also very nice. Your old Quadralex might need to have the tubes replaced. The sound of the newer Yamaha receivers might not be to your liking because they will not sound anything what you've been listening to for so long.
joyelyse OP
42 posts
 
I read it was the house brand of Pacific Stereo in the 80s. I don't know about the early 70s. The guy who offered to repair it was the one who came up with Sanyo.

I see your point, but my main system is solid state (though significantly higher quality). I have the Outlaw 950 pre/pro and their monoblocks. Of course, with my Von Scweikert speakers, it probably makes more of a difference.
jsawhitlock
302 posts
 
The above are correct as Pacific Stereo sold the Quadraflex as there house brand, I owned there SS reciver. They were a big time store in the SF bay area with about 15 stores. If your just looking to have some tunes in another room pick up a cheap reciever as you can get one for around $100.
Happy Holidays!
bobp
14 posts
 
$100 is a lot of money in Vintage kingdom- There are many nice great sounding vintage receivers to buy for $100.

My vote goes to any of those:

Marantz 2230
Marantz 2238b
Pioneer 828
Harman Kardon 330

New cheap stuff is for folks who listen to MP3s, compressed FM Top 30, and hot mixed CDs. The most likely not your ticket.
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