RESTORING devices
First, some definitions:
We call restoration "refurbishment" in such a way that they re-present the original characteristics as they leave the factory.
The "restoration" is therefore opposed to a "repair" whose sole purpose is to obtain again a state of operation as presented before the breakdown.
The "revision", on the other hand, consists of the control of the mechanical and electrical functions and their functional restoration as prescribed by the manufacturer. This involves replacing components that are visibly faulty or whose condition may pose a short-term problem.
The alignment and adjustment procedures on a tape type, more specifically as regards tape recorders, involve all the controls and adjustments that make it possible to use the magnetic tape as well as possible while respecting the speed and track width of the machine.
How?
The rehabilitation of the old Hi-Fi devices, (over 15 years) often requires more than a thirty different operations including, among other things:
- A thorough initial visual examination, outiside and obviously inside, to locate and renew fragile connections, cold welds zones, weak parts, or components inadequately secured...
- A cleaning of skins and interior with an appropriate rehabilitation in respect with the original (wooden case…),
- Control measures to determine the state of drift on electrical and mechanical parts (eg: value of supply voltages, braking tension, pinch roller contact pressure value and state, …),
- Supply and replacement of various used or out-of-date components and parts in accordance with the manufacturer’s updated technical specs and specifications, taking into account normative and technological evolutions, in respect with the product’s identity, ( X2 paper and electrolyte capacitors are systematically replaced by the current manufacturing models in terms of improved stability, safety and reliability characteristics, and audio quality if they are along its path)
- The settings and adjustements necessary for the good functioning,
- For tape: alignment procedures (degaussing/levels/azimuth/premagnetizing/eq) to adapt the machine so that to get the best of modern tapes,
- Final check to verify and eventually act to obtain the device meets its manufacturer’s goals, such as systematic testing of all functions, switches, inputs, outputs, special functions (we still prefer contacts cleaning by the mean of chemical-mechanical action with disassembly and reassembly, less aggressive and more sustainable ….) and bandwith test, measure of distorsion ratio…
- And most important, a lot of time dedicated to operation (mechanical and electronic functional testing throughout intensive use for a week long, or so) to confirm the resumption of service without fear of weakness. The amplifier stages are, in turn, subject to full power endurance test in pulse mode one hour long, then used in our own installation in home conditions for the same period.
To achieve the above Sound Over provides:
• The adequate technical environment to carry out these operations, both in hardware Electronic measurements, mechanical, and in terms of reference (test tapes, sources ....)
• Knowledge and skill (over thirty years experience)
• A bibliography and technical information,
• A network of others skilled technicians spread across the globe, aware of some particularities that sometimes "exotic" products present.
What?
To offer rehabilitation devices compliant with current specifications and / or realistic repair services, we are forced to exclude the assumption of certain products such as:
⁃ furniture, or consoles, or newer chains, so-called "combined"
⁃ radios, car radios, phonographs, wire recorders,
⁃ combined or "Home Cinema" and digital amplifiers.
Therefore, we always reserve the right to refuse restoration if we feel the service we propose will be unreachable under reasonable conditions.
Where?
Most operations are carried out in the workshop, but not only. We are able to:
• Welcome you with a coffee and take stock of the operations to be performed
or
• Receive the device you want to maintain after you shipped it
or
• Move to your home, with or without the lab, this method remaining valid for heavy or fixed equipment.
In general, it is important we establish contact by any means allowing to define purpose, objectives and modalities together ....
You want to entrust your device to us ? : Let's Talk about it !