Phonoland

Hi there-

I'm new to this group, my name is Craig. This morning, I finally got around to unpacking from storage my Silvertone hi fi. The movers who had moved me last time were jerks, this had clearly been thrown a good distance, so even though it had been packed pretty well the force of the impact damaged the unit. The entire turntable unit had been wedged off the box, there's a washer/screw mechanism, it had landed so hard. Part of the turntable roller drive mechanism seems to also be bent from the impact. What else is wrong, who knows?

I love the unit, previously had some (mediocre quality) work done on it when I lived on the east coast and love listening to 50's era 45's and 78's as they were intended to be heard, through tubes. I'm wondering if there's someone that the people on this board might know of, hopefully within a couple hundred miles, who I could have look at it, or if it's even worth it. It seems as though, at this point, it would be sensible to do a complete quality restoration, especially if I have to ship it. Is this unit worth that expense?

I've forgotten the model number, but have attached a photograph. I'm having a little trouble getting it to display correctly so I will attach a file also.





I'd appreciate any advice.

Craig

Someone around Oakland can fix this but you are going to have to search and yes I would restore it. If you are looking at a return on your investment, forget monetary and think enjoyment.

No, I'm not interested in selling it. It gives me way too much pleasure. I'm just worried about the cost, the SF Bay area is really expensive for a normal (as in doesn't have a fancy hi-tech job) person. Especially things like tube-related items, it's become a a fancy-pants thing.

Indeed, vintage equipment can be an "investment".
Even a lowly radio or phonograph can be expensive to have repaired.
Most of the expense is in labor, although some parts are costly to aquire too.
But consider this - it's 2013, not 1955, and the Cost Of Living is much higher now.

These things require the best possible service though.