Skylabs Vintage Stereo Des Moines - anybody ever use them?

[bagdropper]

Just curious if any DM area posters have ever used their repair services and what you thought of their work. I have an amp and receiver from the mid 70's that need some work and are definitely worth saving (if economical).

If there are other DM options also that can be recommended, let me know please.

Thanks...

 

[naturalmwa]

Does this have any connection to the old Skylab space station?

 

[SSG T]

I don't know anything about Skylabs. Audio Labs used to use Pink Floyd's Shine on You Crazy Diamond (Pts 1-5) on their commercials.

Go to 3:35

 

[h-hawk]

Skylabs seems to have a good reputation. They moved to 5th St in Valley Junction several years ago but I have not used them.

One to avoid IMHO - Tripoint Audio in the Beaverdale neighborhood. Impressive store but I had bad luck 2 times there, including the "repaired" item I sold to someone else.

Parasound power amp (caught on fire!)
McCormack DNA 0.5 power amp (noise supposedly fixed came back for buyer.)

 

[bagdropper]

Skylabs seems to have a good reputation. They moved to 5th St in Valley Junction several years ago but I have not used them.

One to avoid IMHO - Tripoint Audio in the Beaverdale neighborhood. Impressive store but I had bad luck 2 times there, including the "repaired" item I sold to someone else.

Parasound power amp (caught on fire!)
McCormack DNA 0.5 power amp (noise supposedly fixed came back for buyer.)

I had a feeling you'd know something about them

Thanks for the info and thanks for the "avoid them" info too cause someone I know suggested them. I'm trying to find a new shop for my repair guy in Marion I have lost faith in his repairs any more - and there are no shops in the CR metro any more. I'm going to Waukee soon so I thought I'd give a shop down there some business.

I have a Kenwood KR-7070 and a Kenwood KA-8300 both with the same issue, the left channel is a bit low in volume. The 7070's FM also could use some work. I've tried every test/easy repair trick I know to figure out what the deals are. I'm betting they could use a good cleaning and a fairly thorough recap.

I'd love to learn how to recap gear. I've fixed a couple cap/diode etc issues in the past when what was bad was blatantly obvious visually - but it'd take a hefty investment in the proper testing gear to do it all up right. Not sure I have the patience or guts to change out a couple hundred of those on something I want to keep, either.

Just did a fix on a Sony 300 disc changer I found on the curb a couple weeks ago that was perfect cosmetically. At first it wouldn't open the door nor load discs at all. Once that was fixed (3 belts, $10), it skipped badly. I performed the below surgery. No longer skips, loads discs like a champ, plays perfect! The YT guy doing these repairs, 12voltvids is AWESOME fixing up old school gear - this is I think the 10th changer I have rescued using his videos on various Sony 5-400 disc changers through the years.

Should be able to get $75 give or take for this one...helps to pay for this musical gear obsession of mine