This is a general page of advice from London Sound. Yes, free advice on saving money!
OK, you've been 'caught'; what can be done?
Increasingly, many manufacturers deliberately build weaknesses into equipment, ensuring failure after a set operating period. Sometimes, we can 'beat the system'.
For some ideas and examples, see below:-
* Amplifier designed to run very hot, to control the life of 'special' components. Ensure the best possible ventilation at all times. Add tapwashers to the feet, to raise it and improve ventilation through the base, (a very cheap way of increasing airflow).
* Specialist hi-fi amplifier 'designed' to be switched on all of the time. Switch off at the mains when it is out of use. If it is a good amplifier, sound quality will not be impaired, but it should last longer. In the early days of this nasty dirty trick, we took an amplifier that was supposed to be switched on all the time for best performance that had been switched off for a few days - tested as fast as possible after being switched on it worked just as welll as normal! Most amplifiers reach full performance in less than 5 minutes and last longer if left switched off when not in use.
* Cassette deck motor runs even when not required - in some units even when switched off on the front panel! Switch off at mains when not in use. This puts off costly motor repairs, as well as minimising other wear. It also reduces the electricity bill!
* C.D. section of 'all-in-one' hi-fi system failed, and will cost too much to repair. Buy a cheap 'separates' C.D. player, and connect to 'Aux' or 'Video' input. Untidy, but often cheaper than replacing the whole system.
* Another tip with 'all-in-one' systems - feel if it remains warm when switched off - some units can draw a seriously high amount of electricity when not being used. Switch off at the mains - saves electricity - and makes the unit last longer!
Manufacturers often play little tricks to limit the life in a way that you cannot control. As repairers we often find in a well made piece of equipment, just one obviously weak link designed to control its life.
Sensible repair using, for example, higher rated replacement components, will often restore performance, and more than double life!
Obviously, with London Sound repairs usually costing less than replacement, but still with the equipment guaranteed for 12 months, the repair option offers so much better value for money.
Don't let yourself be "caught"!
Always ask London Sound for advice if equipment malfunctions. It is always better to learn of simple tips, and where appropriate, to carry out DIY repairs at home. This can mean your repair is completely free of charge! If all else fails, come to London Sound for repairs, it's almost always better value than buying new!
Basic Information
London Sound is a single outlet specialist audio and hi-fi repair business, first registered in 1969.
London Sound is owned and operated by M S Solomons, who has more than 35 years professional experience of the repair of hi-fi equipment.
All repairs carried out by London Sound carry a full written twelve month guarantee which includes the labour, as well as the parts fitted. All repaired equipment is certified tested for electrical safety. We also carry out electrical safety checks on other equipment by arrangement.
All repair estimates are free. It is often possible for a provisional free estimate to be given by telephone.
We also sell a limited range of spares, and offer record cleaning on the Keith Monks Audio Limited, (KMAL), record cleaning machine, (by appointment only).
The postal address for London Sound is as follows:-
London Sound
389 (B) Alexandra Avenue
HARROW
HA2 9EF
Please ensure that the "B" is in brackets, as above - it helps to avoid the mail going astray.
Visitors please note - the shop is about 300 yards south of Rayners Lane underground station, (Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines), opposite Tesco.
For technical help and advice, please ring Mike Solomons on 020 8868 9222.
The shop telephone line is normally open Monday to Friday 8.00. am. to 5.00. pm, (excluding early closing on Wednesdays - when we close at 1pm). We do not close for lunch. Please note that the shop door is not usually opened until 10 am.
The email address is:- londonsound@msn.com