i Was so excited to get my speakers, receiver and turntable back after all being meticulously repaired by Classic Audio. After getting everything set up, I noticed a small problem. I texted and within an hour or two, Fred I think, texted me back. Well for two days we went back and forth and Fred made a suggestion that solved my problem. These guys are amazing! You expect to get work completed that you pay for, but they go above and beyond in customer service. To spend that much time texting me over a two day period is just unheard of nowadays. It's one of the reasons I drive all the way from Oceanside to have them service my old stereo equipment. I am just so impressed. It's the only place I will take me stereo equipment, Fred, thank you!! read more

We received an old Marantz record player from our in-laws and the belt was all dried up. We also got a receiver and I wasn't sure if there were other issues with the equipment so I called Fred and set an appointment to bring the gear in. There is a sign that talks about the different services and costs at the front. He was patient and did the repairs in front of me over the counter. He was an interesting guy and we had a good conversation as well while he was working. The price was extremely reasonable and Fred helped show me how to use all the equipment since I was unfamiliar. He is clearly an expert in audio repair and would definitely recommend going here! read more

I love this place and have been back several times. Fred is one of the most knowledgeable people I have ever met, and he's also interesting - great stories. People have to remember that old audio equipment may have many more problems once you open it up - that's just the nature of the beast - and it takes time to properly analyze and figure out what ails the machine. I've had Fred fix a tape player and then a year later something else goes wrong - that's just how it goes! I, for one, would never take my old equipment anywhere else, and I sincerely hope they stay around forever. This shop is a true treasure, and Fred, despite what some other reviews say, is a great guy. Just don't be an idiot! He's the expert. LISTEN to him! read more

All I can say is that the guy I talked to over the phone wasn't very friendly and almost seemed like he didn't really want to hear what I was trying to say. I really want to get my piece of equipment fixed but I'm doubting that I wanna take it here and deal with the attitude. read more

I recently started to put together my music room back together that consisted of a Denon Turntable, Harmon Kardon receiver and Polk speakers. I wanted my equipment to be given a look over as I was having a few difficulties getting everything running succinctly. I was able to find this shop online, read the reviews and website and was sold. Needless to say I was not disappointed. The team of Jordan and Fred were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They gave me lots of pointers, basic Introduction to my equipment and had my components working like brand new within a matter of minutes. Thank you gentlemen for getting me up and running. My music room is a pleasure to sit in thanks to you guys! read more

Classic Audio Repair - Ready to go! - Electronics Repair Near Me - La Mesa, California

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I have a Audio Technica LP-120. It has a known issue with the anti skating not working properly. I got a replacement spring from Audio Technica and they installed it and I also had the built in pre amp removed since it still is in the loop even while switched off. They are highly knowledgeable and was quoted about two weeks to repair but they had it done in five days. I'm very happy with their professionalism and quality of work. I highly recommend them. I'm not sure why they have some negative reviews but I did not experience that. read more

These guys are awesome! I have a Fisher Studio Standard linear tracking turntable and ordered a new stylus for it. I couldn't get the new stylus to fit so I brought it to Classic Audio Repair in hopes that they could figure it out. They spent a good 40 minutes looking it over and finally figured out that the stylus I ordered (which was the part number indicated on the turntable) was the wrong stylus for my turntable. They were able to find the correct stylus in their shop and now my turntable is working once again. I never would have figured that out in a lifetime. I like the appointment method these guys use because it enables them to repair your equipment while you wait in some cases. I also got a stern lecture on how to properly clean a stylus (free of charge)! I'm very happy with my experience here and can highly recommend them. Just make sure you make an appointment. read more

My "old" Sony Mega Storage 300 Cd changer decided not to rotate so I checked here on Yelp and found just the place to take it to~ I texted the number provided on here on a Sunday and received a response that evening. They only take scheduled appointments and there were several openings the following day. I took it in at my appointed time, filled out the paper work, made a deposit and left. They texted me when it was ready and I went in to pick it up~the owner had it all set to go. The bill was about $20 less than the estimate! Plugged it in when I got home and placed a cd in to see how it worked. A-ok! I recommend this place as a professional service for audio repair. read more

I just made a call to Fred and his knowledge is impeccable! He was very kind and patient with an idiot like me who has little knowledge of electronics. I'm sure it can be frustrating when you're teaching difficult concepts in lamens terms. I have yet to go to the shop for repairs but just by the phone call I can tell that he truly cares about his work. I called other service areas that simply went straight to the money and rates. Fred actually asked me what the problem was and even speculated what it might be. read more

Took my AT LP160 turntable there for a minor repair. I made an appointment in advance, my repair was able to be completed while I waited. The man who helped me ensured the space was safe by wearing a mask, gloves, using wipes to clean the cc I used for payment, and by working by appointment I was the only customer in the room. The price was a good and I will certainly return for other repairs. read more

Got my turntable repaired and learned a lot about the machine, These guys are knowledgeable and help you understand exactly what's going on and what needs to be fixed. Great service! read more

I had no issues with customer service and feel that they made an effort to repair my Akai cassette deck. I was just disappointed that after many months and about $400 the deck worked for a few weeks but is now inoperable. In their defense, I understand that cassette repair is not always an easy thing. read more

Fred is a master craftsman and the only stereo repair place i trust. He goes over and above, is beyond thorough, and knows everything about audio, record players, receivers, speakers and anything else sound related. He undercharges and overperforms. Work this good is a rare thing these days, which is why I keep coming back to him and you should too. read more

These guys are definitely eccentric. One might have Asperger's. You have to be honest that these are the only two left that will work on your equipment. Jordan fixed a turntable while I waited for $60. I had custom speakers with a problem and Fred said $80 to have them look at it and it would be 60 days. They took about 45 but got them fixed for $300 total. They sound amazing. I see people bring in used old equipment and expecting miracles. Your old equipment has multiple problems, not just the one you brought it in for. When they open it up they are going to find multiple problems. I was scared to take my stuff in with the bad reviews but reading the reviews I see that they are unrealistic. If you want perfectly working stuff, buy it new. If you want vintage, this is the only place we have in San Diego so don't abuse them. read more

Very knowledgeable when it comes down to electronics, They quoted me what I felt at first was too high, and coupled with lengthy turn around for essentially just a turntable tuneup. But after getting the turntable back, I can say it was worth the wait and the price is fair for an excellent service. Very few places/people get the job done right these days. I recommend supporting Classic Audio Repair. read more

They were able to repair the CD Player on my top loading Bose Wave radio. Service was timely and price was reasonable. Very professional.

I was willing to pay money to fix my old receiver and turntable. I went to the location and the door was wide open and I saw a sign that said "place your set here", so I did. Since no one was there I called out. Someone said he will be right there so I stepped out and then saw signs saying to wait outside. I didn't notice since the door was open and I saw where should put my electronics. Since the start he was so rude and cursing, telling me to move my equipment off because it's not sanitized and I asked where to put it, and he said just not there. Then he was mad at me for the top not being screwed on, yelling about his website saying it told me not to. Then he took a quick look and said the price and that it's not worth it. Without me even saying whether I will pay or not, he's going off on me about following the rules and everything I did wrong. I'm thinking "don't you want my money?" He starts putting the top back on without asking me if I want to pay for the repair and just scolding me. At that point, I'm done. I won't give him my money. So I said to just stop fussing with it and I'll take my stuff and go. He says by law he has to put it back on and just continues to scold me! I told him how I would have paid the money, but he was so rude. He said he was just telling the truth. There is a way to tell the truth without being rude and condescending. He blamed oral surgery and covid-19 and not wanting to get it. I understand all the precautions of covid-19, but he didn't have to belittle me and be so rude that I didn't see his signs because someone moved the block at the door! He persisted it was because I want him to cater to me and I don't like him. No man. I have worked in customer service my whole adult life. I just want people to be nice. I have no problem apologizing for not seeing the signs and not following the rules on his website. I didn't know. He could have given me a heads up when I called to make an appointment. I'm upset because I'm fortunate to have a job not affected by covid and I want to spend money and give it to small businesses that possibly suffer due to it, but I won't do it at the expense of someone treating me like that. I'm very disappointed. I made an appointment with him, I didn't just show up, but he acts like he did me a favor looking at my equipment after oral surgery. I did bring two items in although our conversation I only mentioned one because I was coming a distance, I figured I could ask. If the door was open for people to not have to fuss with the door to put down heavy equipment, how come that didn't apply to me? I was carrying my heavy equipment and first saw a sign that says put your set here, so I did... I didn't stop to read the signs. I'll take the fault for that, but I think it was a normal mistake and did not deserve to be berated. You accused me of doing things I didn't do, how do you think that makes me feel? I didn't mean to "break the rules", but how am I supposed to know the rules if he didn't tell me. I didn't look at facebook or the website. I found the number, I called, and he said he could fix my receiver. He didn't tell me about any rules. read more

Classic Audio Repair - Electronics Repair Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Classic Audio Repair recently did a great job repairing my early-90s era receiver. There's not much more to say other than good work at a very fair price. It's obvious that C.A.R. puts a lot of time and care into what they do. read more

Very responsive and helpful. Asked for a claim and was given lots of information about services and different options.

I moved and when I opened the packing box with my Harmon Kardon Aura BT the plastic decorative piece was broken inside the outer shell. They don't make it easy to take off the shell. Viewing You Tube it required me to disassemble the speaker. I called Classic Audio Repair and explained my situation. The owner said he didn't work on WiFi type products but as we talked he told me to bring it in for a examination. Long story short he again told me he couldn't fix it but he took everything apart, marked the corresponding pieces in color code and charged me $20. I went home and epoxied the broken piece together and then reassembled the speaker per his instructions. Good as new. When I called Harmon Kardon the closest repair place was in Costa Mesa and I live in San Diego which is about an 100 mile drive each way. I'm sure it would have been a lot more than $20 to go to an authorized repair center. Excellent customer service!! Thanks again read more

What a fantastic duo. These gentlemen know their business. PLEASE do not EVER go out of business. I purchased a vintage suitcase stereo from the 60s. Loving getting back to vinyl. I thought I would remember how to change a needle. Sadly I was mistaken and made matters worse. I live in Palm Springs and could not find anyone closer. Not only do they carry the replacement needle they of course knew everything about this unit and can service it in the future for me. Don't bother going anywhere else. read more

Zero stars. Horrible service, charge an arm and a leg for nothing. They offered to charge even more money to return the turn table into the condition it was given to them in. Absolutely horrible, can't believe these old jokers are still in business, I guess that's why they jerk your around for several months. read more

Amp is covered in saw dust and it looks like it sat outside for a month. Nothing has been touch. Joke.