Audio Systems: nakamichi receiver, home theater application, phono input

Question
I have a nakamichi receiver from 1992.  Just took it in to be fixed -- no power.  They tell me $167 to get it up and running.
Is it worth it?  Or do I get a new one at this point?

Answer
Dear Jim,

Interesting question. Nakamichi has long been renowned for making the highest quality audio equipment, especially their tape cassette recorders. Their reputation is/was for solid build quality, something today that would apply to Onkyo, Integra, Sony ES, and Rotel among the principally Asian manufacturers. Their pure stereo products are all going to go in the $300+ range and may or may not include a phono input--if you still spin LPs.

So a new unit of comparable build quality is going to cost you more than the repair. However, a like consideration is what you're using the Nakamichi for. If for pure stereo listening, i.e., it's not part of a home theater configuration, then there's no compelling reason to trade or buy up. You didn't mention the model number, so I don't know what kind of input options or power output it has. But if it puts out enough power--and I consider 65 watts per channel RMS the minimum to drive better than average speakers--and has the connectivity (LP, CD) that you need, there's no reason not to have it fixed.

If you're thinking of using it in a home theater application, and want the advantage of surround sound and all the extra speakers, then you'd be best advised to look at A/V receivers with those capabilities.

Good luck. And thanks for choosing allexperts.com!

Kindest regards,

Kevin