Bigugh
07-05-2006, 08:57 AM
I recently sent my Yamaha CA2010 to EchoWars to be restored. For the record, I want to share my review on the proceedings and results.
Let me start with a little background: I sold stereo gear in the late '70's. The store owner was an audiophile who started selling audio gear out of his house to support his own 'habit' and to help him equip his recording studio. He taught me critical listening skills (which is a matter of ear training, and can be learned). I was 'encouraged' to spend as much time as possible after store hours listening to and comparing equipment, which I gladly did. With custom-made switch banks I was able to instantly switch between every pre/amp power amp combo (or receiver) and speaker system in the shop (source was direct-to-disc vinyl on a turntable that cost more than my entire system). What a revelation! Brand X was boomy; Brand Y had a midrange honk; Brand Z was grainy. Of all the mid-fi brands out there (I got to listen to most of them) the one that held its' ground and stood up to the esoteric (read: 'unaffordable') audiophile gear was Yamaha. Neutral, uncolored, adding no interpretation of its' own to the music - it was the only one. I realized I had an audiophile's sensiblities on a workingman's budget. I went with Yamaha and never looked back. What I'm trying to say here in a long-winded sort of way is that I have a pretty good idea of what this stuff is supposed to sound like.
Now, the 2010 I sent to Glenn sounded...OK. I knew it needed pots and switches cleaned and whatnot, but I thought it sounded alright. What Glenn sent back to me is a different animal altogether. Smooth, clean, articulate and with some serious spank. There is no way of ever knowing if this old guy is better than it was when new, but if pressed I would bet my last dime on it. The difference between when I sent it off and now, however, is obvious and amazing.
Personally, I found Glenn to be competent (how often do you find that anymore?), correct and caring. He went out of his way to give me service, and he did so at a price that was way beyond fair. Glenn and I are complete strangers: we wouldn't know each other if we met on the street. He certainly owed me no favors. So it follows that the kindness he showed me is simply SOP for him, and an indicator of the person he is. You'll find no one better.
There are many fine techs on this site who are willing to work on our beloved old audio gear. I strongly suggest each and every one of you take advantage of the situation. I have long been a proponent of the philosophy "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." But this is different. As good as that completely original vintage piece sounds to you now, I believe you would be astounded at how much better it would sound if you got it refreshed.
Lastly: thank you, Glenn. Very much.
Don
Let me start with a little background: I sold stereo gear in the late '70's. The store owner was an audiophile who started selling audio gear out of his house to support his own 'habit' and to help him equip his recording studio. He taught me critical listening skills (which is a matter of ear training, and can be learned). I was 'encouraged' to spend as much time as possible after store hours listening to and comparing equipment, which I gladly did. With custom-made switch banks I was able to instantly switch between every pre/amp power amp combo (or receiver) and speaker system in the shop (source was direct-to-disc vinyl on a turntable that cost more than my entire system). What a revelation! Brand X was boomy; Brand Y had a midrange honk; Brand Z was grainy. Of all the mid-fi brands out there (I got to listen to most of them) the one that held its' ground and stood up to the esoteric (read: 'unaffordable') audiophile gear was Yamaha. Neutral, uncolored, adding no interpretation of its' own to the music - it was the only one. I realized I had an audiophile's sensiblities on a workingman's budget. I went with Yamaha and never looked back. What I'm trying to say here in a long-winded sort of way is that I have a pretty good idea of what this stuff is supposed to sound like.
Now, the 2010 I sent to Glenn sounded...OK. I knew it needed pots and switches cleaned and whatnot, but I thought it sounded alright. What Glenn sent back to me is a different animal altogether. Smooth, clean, articulate and with some serious spank. There is no way of ever knowing if this old guy is better than it was when new, but if pressed I would bet my last dime on it. The difference between when I sent it off and now, however, is obvious and amazing.
Personally, I found Glenn to be competent (how often do you find that anymore?), correct and caring. He went out of his way to give me service, and he did so at a price that was way beyond fair. Glenn and I are complete strangers: we wouldn't know each other if we met on the street. He certainly owed me no favors. So it follows that the kindness he showed me is simply SOP for him, and an indicator of the person he is. You'll find no one better.
There are many fine techs on this site who are willing to work on our beloved old audio gear. I strongly suggest each and every one of you take advantage of the situation. I have long been a proponent of the philosophy "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." But this is different. As good as that completely original vintage piece sounds to you now, I believe you would be astounded at how much better it would sound if you got it refreshed.
Lastly: thank you, Glenn. Very much.
Don