Expert: Wayne Tapia - 7/12/2009

Question
Hi Wayne,
My name is Mike and I am also an expert over in the optometry section. This is more of a repair question, but I am at my wits end and thought you may be able to offer some guidance.
I have a Sherwood Newcastle receiver, model R-925.  It is about 8-10 years old.  It has been great without issues.  The other day when it turned on, we had no sound.  I checked all the connections and even plugged in an old pair of headphones in the older fat style headphone jack.  No sound.  The unit is no longer under warranty, so I thought there may be fuses inside, one of which had blown.  I just checked it and all the fuses are intact.  All the knobs, tuners, switches work.
I do not have nay repair facilities close to my home that I know of.  I know this problem is very vague, but does it sound like something major, as in tank the unit & by new.  Or, does it sound like something minor which can be easily fixed.  I appreciate any hep or guidance you may be able to offer.
Thanks in advance,
Mike

Answer
Hi Mike,

Wow - this is shaping up to be a bummer situation. If you can't find any easily servicable fuses - it sounds as if the amplifier section has gone "bye-bye".

If it were me, I'd take into consideration how "attached" I was to the unit, as some devices do carry sentimental value (at least for me).

Typically, a diagnostic isn't too expensive if you can find a reputable shop. Repairs can be another story, so weigh the repair cost vs. the new unit costs.

If you don't feel too "close" to the unit, I'd say you've got a shopping trip ahead of you.

I've had receivers just go poof on me in the past - for seemingly no good reason. If you've had it for that long, at least you can take some comfort in the fact that you got your money's worth out of it before it died.

I know this isn't the greatest of answers, but it is kind of a personal "gray area" kind of decision that you need to make.

Cheers!