Services

Amplifier/ Receiver Repair– On Hold

In general, we are only accepting repairs for receivers, amplifiers, and turntables purchased from Skylabs, or specific units that we had serviced previously.  We also re-foam speakers (see details below). Join our Discord to find someone in your local market that may offer repair services.

Skylabs does not repair or service reel-to-reels, CD players, equalizers, 8-Track players, stereo consoles, or cassette decks.  As a general rule, we do not service any stereo receivers or amplifiers manufactured after 1980.

PLEASE NOTE: SKYLABS DOES NOT ACCEPT ITEMS FOR SERVICE THAT ARE SHIPPED TO US, NOR DO WE SELL PARTS. 

 

Amplifier/ Receiver Service

The primary services we offer are deep cleaning of contacts/controls and lamp conversion to LEDs.  These services can usually be completed in 1-3 weeks depending upon the number of service tickets pending. There is no appointment necessary. 

Periodic deep cleaning is a good idea when a receiver or amplifier has been in storage for an extended period or regularly exposed to dust and/or humidity.  Static when moving the knobs is a common symptom that a deep cleaning can help resolve.  Our deep cleaning service ranges between $125 (small receiver) and $200 (monster receiver) and includes:

  • Blowing out the inside with compressed air
  • Cleaning contacts and switches with electronics cleaner
  • Cleaning knobs and faceplate
  • Play testing Phono, FM, AM, Aux inputs
  • Visually inspecting components for possible issues

Lamp replacement with LEDs brightens up the old, faded, tuner windows, meters, and indicators, and they generate SUBSTANTIALLY less heat inside the cabinets. If you have lights out on your vintage receiver, want to brighten up your displays, and/or want to remove the extra cabinet heat, the cost of replacing incandescent lamps with LEDs averages $10-$20 per lamp depending on the receiver. Many receivers can have LEDs installed for under $100.

 

Turntable Service

Need a belt or new cartridge installed? We got you. Need your turntable deep cleaned after years in storage? We do that!

Skylabs does not repair turntables, or with the exception of cartridges/headshells, sell turntable parts. Join our discord to find someone local to you that offers these services.

Our deep cleaning service ranges $100 to $150 depending on the turntable and includes:

  • Cleaning speed control pots with electronics cleaner
  • Cleaning and replacing old grease on the main bearing (if needed)
  • Oiling motor (if needed)
  • Cleaning tonearm headshell contacts
  • General cleaning of external parts and surfaces
  • Play testing multiple tracks on a record for proper alignment and sound quality 

Add on services include:

  • Belt replacement $20
  • Cleaning belt rubber off pulleys, platters and plinths $40
  • Audio cable (with ground) replacement averages $75 depending on make/model.
  • Dust cover polishing $40

We have most belt sizes in stock and carry phono cartridges by Grado, Ortofon, and Audio Technica.  We also carry new headshells.  We install cartridges for free if you buy the cartridge from us.  We can usually install a cartridge within a half-hour or a few hours depending on how busy the store is.

We do not service the following turntable brands including; Bang & Olufsen, Crosley, Victrola, BIC, Jensen, Pyle, ION or any exotic turntables.  In addition, we do not service linear tracking turntables.

All service requests for Dual turntables are referred to FixMyDual.com which is also located in West Des Moines, IA.

 

Speaker Refoam Prices

Speakers 8″ and larger: $75 each
Speakers 7″ and smaller: $50 each

We’d appreciate it if you would only bring in the speaker(s) needing re-foamed and not the entire speaker cabinet. There is a $50 charge (per cabinet) if the entire cabinet is brought in - we just don’t have the room. However, if you do bring in the entire speaker cabinet, we will test the other speakers in the cabinet and verify there is nothing else needing attention.

Skylabs does not do recones, rebuild crossovers, or cabinet work. Join our Discord channel to find someone local to you that offers these services.

Please note, we do not offer re-foaming service for Bose 901s.