Yes, almost without exception, and you can substitute any high-end amplifier model into this question.

This FAQ is in relation to a question I received from a gentleman in the USA with a broken Krell KSA-250. I strongly encouraged him to ship the amplifier to a local specialist repairer familiar with these complex beasts, as I do all such enquiries. The enquirer/owner said, “Shipping would be more than the amp”, but I can’t think of a situation where intra-USA shipping would come even close to what this amplifier is worth.

The enquirer decided instead to try 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 neither meant to cast aspersions on the enquirer’s technical ability nor suggest that all DIY work is a bad idea. It is provided from my experience repairing many Krell amplifiers like the KSA 250.

A similar example: Should you replace the spark plugs and filters in your car? Yes, if you have good tools and know how to do the work. Should you attempt to rebuild the entire engine when it fails, though? Absolutely not, in 99.9% of cases. You are almost guaranteed to screw something up.

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.