Yes, almost without exception. You can substitute any high-end amplifier model into this question, but the answer remains the same.

This answer is in relation to a question I received from a gentleman in the USA with a Krell KSA-250 needing repair. I strongly encouraged him to take or ship the amplifier to a local specialist repairer familiar with these complex beasts, as I do all such enquiries.

The enquirer told me that shipping would be “more than the amp”, but I can’t think of a case where intra-US shipping would even come close to what this amplifier is worth. The enquirer was instead trying to repair this amplifier himself, generally a very bad idea. Here is my response:

Hi ***

Given that a replacement for this amp would be tens of thousands of dollars and good working examples still sell for many thousands of dollars, which is well below their actual worth, shipping to a well-regarded repairer should be considered an essential part of the repair and a no-brainer. 

This one must be saved, best of luck with it!

Liquid Mike

This advice is not meant to question the enquirer’s technical ability or suggest that DIY work is a bad idea, but is provided based on experience repairing Krell amplifiers like the KSA 250. A similar example: Does your car need new spark plugs? Should you DIY it? Yes, if you have a good torque wrench and know how to do the job. But should you attempt to rebuild the engine when it fails? I’d suggest not, in 99.9% of cases.

Expensive overhaul and repair work are part of the high-end amplifier ownership experience. This must be known and factored into any purchasing decision, just like owning a valuable car or motorcycle.