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
I ended up with a Sony Receiver from the 70's one time which made various poping and cracking noises whenever I turned it on. My solution was to never shut it off and I enjoyed it for a long time. I later sold it to a nonaudiophile friend and told them to leave it on. I hope this trick helps you.
Actually, that's exactly what is happening. However, the receiver is in an armoire. I can't leave it on without risking fire. (It's a very BAD idea to keep a receiver on in an enclosed space...just ask my friends who burned their apartment on.) I need one I can turn on and off.
This could be a failing tube issue. Tubes tend to act like that when they are on there way out.
Try to repost this thread under " Vintage Tube Receiver pops and crackles " and see what happens. You should get some feedback from the tube guru's.
Hope this helps.
Just my $.02