Audio and video equipment repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What audio and video equipment repair is

A technician repairs speakers, receivers, amplifiers, turntables and video equipment, diagnosing faults such as distortion, no power or signal loss. You need it when a sound or video system stops working or sounds wrong, and you want the cause found before you buy replacements.

Signs you need it

  • The amplifier or receiver has no power or shuts off unexpectedly
  • The sound is distorted, crackling or cuts out on one channel
  • A speaker buzzes, rattles or has no sound
  • The turntable runs slow, skips or the tone arm does not track
  • A video source has no signal, flickers or shows the wrong colors

What the pro does

  • Tests the power, the signal and the outputs of the unit
  • Inspects the cables, the connectors and the switches for faults
  • Opens the unit to check the boards, the capacitors and the amplifier stage where needed
  • Replaces or repairs the failed part, such as a switch, a capacitor, a connector or a speaker
  • Tests the unit with sources and speakers and returns it with a summary

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The brand and model, and whether parts are still available
  • The type of fault and whether it is a simple part or a board repair
  • The age of the unit and the availability of parts
  • Whether speakers need new drivers or a rebuild
  • Whether the unit is under warranty
  • Whether the repair is more than the cost of a replacement

What a written quote should spell out

  • The diagnosis and the test used to confirm it
  • Each part replaced, with the model and whether it is new or used
  • Labor for each repair step
  • Testing done after the repair with the sources used
  • Warranty for the parts and the repair

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Is the unit still under warranty, and would the repair affect it?
  • Which part failed, and how did you confirm it?
  • Are the parts still available for my model?
  • Is the repair worth doing compared with a new unit?
  • Will you test the unit with my speakers before I pick it up?
  • What warranty do you give on the repair?

Red flags

  • Says the whole unit must be replaced without a test
  • Opens a high voltage section without explaining the risk
  • Will not show the old part or the test results
  • Replaces parts with unknown ratings and does not say so

What you can do yourself

Check the power cord, the fuse, the speaker wires and the input cables, and try the unit with a different source. Do not open an amplifier, receiver or television, since the power supply and the capacitors can hold a dangerous charge even when unplugged. Call a technician for any power, distortion, speaker or signal fault.

Licenses and permits

A license is usually not required for audio and video equipment repair, but work on mains powered equipment may fall under electrical rules that vary by state and city. Check with your state or local licensing agency about those rules.

Audio and video equipment repair questions

Why does my receiver shut off after playing loud?

A protection circuit can trip for several reasons, including a speaker fault or a weak output stage. A technician can test the protection and the output.

Can I repair my speaker myself?

A driver or cone can sometimes be replaced, but a wrong part can damage the amplifier. Ask a technician to check the speaker first.

Is it worth repairing an old receiver?

It depends on the fault, the part cost and how much you use the unit. A technician can give you the repair cost and help you decide.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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