Help Amp Repair: California


I recently acquired a couple of Audio Research Classic 120 Monoblock Amplifiers that have been in storage for about five years. I'm looking for a trustworthy repair shop or technician that could fire up the amps under controlled conditions and make any neccessary repairs. I live on the Coast of California midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles and could travel to drop off the amps. Ideally, I'd like to establish an ongoing relationship with a good technician. The good one in my area (Monterey) moved. I have all tube equipment in my two systems (Cary and VTL amps, Musical Fidelity NuVista and Counterpoint prereamps). I would be great to be able to access the services of a good audio tech when needed . Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
ered66
ered66
you all recommend Nick. However, I called him three times to ask for repairing three out-of-warranty gears. He always insisted taking them to authorized dealers. Dealers will charge ridiculously high. I take that as he is reluctant to offer help and not telling why he is unable to help. 

Mike Zuccaro
San Diego Cal.
[email protected]
Write [email protected]., Mike Zuccaro and he is considered one of the absolute best in the U.S. and he is in CA .
It seems like you already have a number of good options, but I will add 2 more:

Musical Fidelity (Gary Garfield)
5183 Overland Ave.
Culver City, CA 90230
310-558-0037
310-558-0038 fax
www.musical-fidelity.com
repair / restoration / modification

also in the LA area:

Marc McMinn
323-650-1549
service & repair / very familiar with ARC gear

best regards,

Steve McCormack
This may actually qualify for a seperate thread,but I have 5 pieces that need repair. Living in CA, I'm reading this thread with much attention and want to thank all the contributors as well.
Your suggestions are greatly apprecialted. I've made a couple of phone calls. Its good to have options that I didn't have before. Any other toughts are welcome! Thanks all, ered66.
I would definitely contact Brooks Berdan. He is located in Sounther California (Monrovia) and runs a first class operation with a very impressive track record in the industry.
Nick Gowan at True Sound is the best around. He does all of are work. His phone number is 408-370-7578
I also recommend True Sound, especially for ARC amps, which I know he's worked on a lot. His name is Nick Gowan, and I met him through getting an outstanding upgrade he does on Quad ESL 63's--replaces 62' of Quad's inferior wire, along with a lot of other things. He's a pleasure to do business with, and his prices are certainly fair. (I also took a power amp in to him for repair.) Try [email protected].
ARC referred me to True Sound located on 136 Kennedy Ave. Campbell, CA. (just south of San Jose) tel#(408) 370-7578.
I can't recall the individual's name, but he's British. He's authorized by ARC to perform warranty work on ARC equipment and did an excellent job on my ARC Reference One preamp.

Tell him Ross from Sonora referred you.
You can try Rich Loman at (818) 706-3135. He lives in Agoura Hills. Please mention Emelito highly recommended you.