Frequently Asked Questions

For example: “I need some advice; I looked into it and found xxx; what else could it be? I’ve already replaced this and that…”
I have been operating in this business as a legitimate company since 2006, fully compliant with all regulations;
I have a physical location where customers can visit. I pay social security contributions, taxes, and all business overhead costs. Simply put, I make my living in this field. I am not a “hobby” operation with no fixed address or one that exists only “virtually” on the web.
And doing it for free.
For that reason, I do not answer questions of this nature.

It is quite difficult to give a definitive answer in this case, as I do not know the condition of the specific component you have in mind, nor can I be familiar with every brand and model on the market.
Here is a harsh real-world example: you win an auction online—great price, “guaranteed 100% condition”…
In reality, 90% of the time that isn’t the case—believe me.
If someone else is selling the same item for 50% more (especially regarding “expensive, high-end gear”), and you are thinking, “I’ll just spend €50 to get it into ‘top’ condition”…
Sorry! NO!!!
Please refer to point 6.
This applies mainly to those “dream machines”—which, unfortunately, are often defective or partially defective, and there are plenty of them around.
Even though I do my absolute best, sometimes it simply isn’t possible to get everything into the perfect condition that both you and I would like.
Please keep this in mind!
That fee covers the diagnostics or a partial repair.

Check out the HIFI&HIGHEND section.
If you haven’t found what you were looking for, there is only one solution: nothing is stopping you from studying the subject matter, experimenting, taking measurements, and putting the knowledge you have gained into practice.
Please note that adjustments or modifications involve more than just replacing old electrolytic or other capacitors, or swapping out connectors, wiring, and the like.

I have nothing against this current trend. I proceed based on my best judgment, experience, measurements, and listening tests. I take the price-to-performance ratio into account.
Just because something is rated “5 stars” doesn’t necessarily mean it is top-tier—or even truly suitable for your specific equipment, application, and setup.
This applies particularly to cheap “fake” components from AliExpress.
I use only components with a known origin that have been tested and meet their stated specifications.
If my offer doesn’t suit your needs, feel free to try elsewhere.

That’s not my business.
I have to do my job one way or another. Regardless of the acquisition cost.
Or point 6.

In this case, it is almost impossible to give a simple, rational answer, as I do not know the condition of the item—what work will be required, the level of difficulty, the cost of materials, and so on.
What might seem like a trivial matter at first glance may not be straightforward in reality.
And as for performing a diagnosis remotely—via phone or email…
NO!
Simply put, I need to have it right here on my workbench.
A description of the main issues, along with the make and model, would certainly be helpful; please send those details via email.

Please do not contact me. I take a technical approach to the matter, with real, demanding work both behind me and ahead of me. You have ONLY the prospect of profit in mind… That doesn’t align with my way of doing things. 

Do you travel to [City Name] or nearby areas?
Could you come and pick up or collect the items?
NO.

I accept items for service only if they are delivered in person or sent to my business address.
I do not go to pick up shipments from Slovak Post, Packeta, Uloženka, etc.
Deliveries must be made via courier services such as UPS, GLS, EMS, etc.

I am a contractual partner of UPS Slovakia; I ship all packages exclusively through this company.

Please refer to points 2 and 5 first.
This question concerns the cost-effectiveness of repairs or modifications.
It is impossible to determine the actual price without basic diagnostics.
That can only be done after this step.

Drive belts for tape recorders, turntables, laser optics, FET transistors…
NO.
I am not a spare parts shop or a retail store.
WHY?
I will not deal—via phone or email—with your “perfect” installation job, a mechanism you’ve demolished and messed up, incorrectly connected wires, a burnt-out power supply, or a torn ribbon cable…
All for the price of a spare part, like a drive belt.

I do not respond to anonymous individuals, nor to those who are arrogant, “know-it-alls,” or lacking in self-reflection, decency, and respect for themselves and others—including those who try their luck across all “fronts” and forums simultaneously. I reserve the right to decline any commission.

First, please email me the specifications of the device and a rough description of the problem. If we reach an agreement and you decide to send the device for repair, please include an accompanying email with your contact details (name, address, and phone number).

E.g.

Hello, as agreed, I am sending…

XXX……..I would like to…..

My address is XXXX.

Phone number: XXXX.

Please contact me via email rather than by phone (as I cannot remember or write everything down), and this way I can immediately identify that the shipment is from you.

Component: €35–€70.
Depends on the type and complexity.
Please note: the diagnostic fee is non-refundable.

I value mutual respect. If a client repeatedly crosses the boundaries of proper conduct or exerts undue pressure, I reserve the right to permanently terminate our collaboration and block all communication.

I provide my services exclusively to clients who adhere to the principles of fair and professional cooperation. I will be forced to take legal action regarding any further attempts at harassment following the termination of our professional relationship.