Sony STRDA777ES - To repair or not to repair; that is the question

Jim DiJoseph · 12-14-2005, 01:31 PM

Well, I woke up this morning and lo and behold my Sony flagship receiver (STRDA777ES) went a bit haywire. I haven't had time to check every little detail, but the way the unit crackled and then went out on me, I have a feeling that it will need repair. Sadly, the 5-year warranty expired earlier this year, so it appears that it will cost me at least $300 to get the device fixed (could be more).

Anyway, I'd like to solicit opinions. Should I put money into this device because it was (is) a superior model in many ways, or should I move on and start looking at replacing it? If the latter, I would appreciate suggestions or comments.

Thanks!

PatrickJB · 12-14-2005, 03:23 PM

"Sadly, the 5-year warranty expired earlier this year"

...isn't that how it always works?

If you figure it's going to cost $300 to fix it I'll venture to say go ahead and find yourself a newer, better one.

If you browse through this fourm you should be able to find a solid upgrade for between $300 and $500.

Dick Knisely · 12-14-2005, 04:03 PM

Given the original price on that critter, I'd pay the fee to get a repair estimate.

After that its an interesting call on the repair/replace decision. While you can certainly find a compentent replacement for the $300, replacing it with the equivalent is, I think, going to still have a pricetag well over the $1,000 mark. Of course, there are also several sources for used/refurbished units if you want to keep that model but junk the dead one.

Personally, I wouldn't repair it if that cost over $200-300 because I'd simply look at it as fate's way of telling me that it was time for an upgrade

(assuming I could afford the upgrade vs. the repair!).

Jim DiJoseph · 12-14-2005, 05:55 PM

Thanks to both of you for your comments. You definitely see the dilemma I face. I wish I had the funds to drop $1K or so on a replacement, but that would be a tight fit right now. However, I value my home theater experience, so I want to do what's best. I'll be interested to hear what others have to say - especially those who might have been in a similar situation. Thanks.

Westly T · 12-14-2005, 06:55 PM

That is a very high quality amp, I have one. I would say to fix it, I was looking at tehm on ebay and they are still selling int the $800-high $900 range used. The main reason I'm thinking of upgrading is for features mine lacks, but it's build quality is much better then the new stuff.

**HTF Ads**

John Garcia · 12-14-2005, 07:29 PM

Don't they have a 7 year warranty on their ES receivers? My buddy got his DA50ES fixed in the 7th year.

Wes, you're not allowed to list your gear in your sig here, so the link will have to do. http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...ge=1#signature

Scott Merryfield · 12-15-2005, 08:56 AM

Quote:

My buddy got his DA50ES fixed in the 7th year.

I used to own a DA50ES, and it only had a 5 year warranty (and I did have one repair under warranty).

I would have a hard time putting $300 repair money into a five year old piece of equipment. If you do not have the funds for a comparable quality replacement, you could always buy something less expensive to get you by, and then sell it later (or move it to another room) when you have more funds on hand. You will lose some money on the resale, but it may be better than going into debt now.

Jim DiJoseph · 12-15-2005, 01:14 PM

Thanks, guys. Yes, definitely a five-year warranty, which is the standard on these ES models.

Well, I decided that replacing is probably better than repairing at this point, so I opened the case myself to see if I could be so lucky as to have a simple fuse out or some other obvious defect. No dice. And in my house, there really is no place for a second-string setup, so this thing has been relegated to the scrap yard.

Fare thee well, 777ES...

Now on to researching a suitable replacement - and figuring out how I'm going to pay for it!

mackie · 12-15-2005, 02:21 PM

If cash is tight, the new outlaw receiver is getting rave reviews.

With HD DVD and Blue Ray coming out before too long, I'd be hesitant to drop a bunch of cash on a new receiver that won't be compatible. I believe there is a new surround sound format coming out with these. Also the whole HDMI issue has me concerned too.

Jim DiJoseph · 12-15-2005, 02:34 PM

Thanks, mackie...which model is that? I'm not sure I can afford separates at this point. And I agree with you that some serious changes are on the horizon. I'm torn between getting a cheap, quick fix now (and replace properly later) and making a serious purchase now.

mackie · 12-15-2005, 03:51 PM

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/1070.html

Try this link. Its going for $899.

I thought it was a little less

I've bought a few B-stock and reconditioned items from manufacturer authorized dealers with good success. You can find pretty good deals that way.