Adcom 5800

[ROY'S]

Hi every one. I got one power amp Adcom 5800 that is going to Adcom service center for some repair. I like to know if any one of you feel that way that amp need new Caps replacement ?. And any other up date I must do ?. thanks Roy

[anatech]

Hi Roy,
Probably not. It's a decent amplifier and it isn't really that old. The main filters should be fine for many years yet.

There are some small resistors that should be replaced with a higher wattage, the originals open on surges.

-Chris

[Nelson Pass]

Check the price.

[ROY'S]

Hi.
Thanks for the info. I like to know how big resister can be used in that amp. Thanks Roy

[anatech]

Hi Roy,

I like to know how big resister can be used in that amp.

I'm confused now. What do you mean?

Hi Nelson,

Check the price.

Did you mean, ask for an estimate? If so, yes! I figured that would be normal for anyone taking something in for repair.

-Chris

[Nelson Pass]

If the price is reasonable, then go for it. Often the price is not
reasonable. What does it cost to replace caps? Probably an additional
couple hours labor and the Digikey price of the caps.

[anatech]

Hi Nelson,

If the price is reasonable, then go for it. Often the price is not reasonable.

That could be a slippery slope you're on, and then again - maybe not. I guess the definition of "reasonable" differs widely between people.

For you, there is no sense in sending something out for service. For someone who is not trained in service, the repair is required unless you plan to replace with new. Buying used often opens someone up to a botched repair, so you end up in possibly a worse situation. I've seen that happen often enough over the years.

Hi Nelson, ROY'S,
I do know of several service outlets that grossly overcharge for service. These are generally the places that also service TV's. Also, taking an amp in for service through a dealer will culminate in a high $ invoice. Do you know that many stores want to double the service invoice???! Take it in direct to the service facility what ever you do. Also check the reputation of the technician or facility.

Nelson is correct in labour running a couple hours, unless there are other things to do also. There are amplifiers that take longer to service due to the complexity of the assembly.

The cost of caps from Digikey is somewhat unrealistic as well. The shop had to purchase and stock these items and there is a cost associated with that. Even if they order the parts in when required, there are minimum orders and shipping charges to consider. On top of this, there may have been some experimentation or hand matching required for some parts (thinking transistors for this).

One other thing to consider. How much would this amp cost to replace with one of equal performance - new. You can't consider a used one, it needs similar work if age related. Very often it is far less expensive to get a proper service job done. Where I come from, repaired amplifiers often outlast and / or sound better than ones never serviced. A good technician's hand can optimize the operating conditions. Sometimes that means matching transistors and the odd pair of resistors.

-Chris