Factory-Authorized Audio Repair Since 1947
Expert audio equipment repair at our Lincoln service center.
Factory-authorized service for all major audio brands. Drop-off repair with genuine OEM parts. From vintage receivers to modern home theater systems, we diagnose and repair correctly.
Call (402) 466-9090 Visit Our LocationDrop-Off Audio Equipment Repair in Lincoln, Nebraska
Metro TV & Audiotech has been repairing audio equipment since 1947—starting with tube-powered receivers and turntables, through the cassette and CD era, and now servicing modern digital amplifiers, network streamers, and wireless speaker systems. The technology has evolved from vacuum tubes to transistors to integrated circuits, but our commitment to factory-authorized service with genuine parts has remained constant.
We provide drop-off repair service at our Lincoln location (1107 North Cotner Blvd). You bring your audio equipment to us—receivers, amplifiers, turntables, CD players, speakers, or complete home theater systems. We diagnose the issue using manufacturer service documentation, proper test equipment, and decades of hands-on experience. We complete the repair with genuine OEM parts. Most repairs are completed within 5-7 business days, depending on parts availability and the complexity of the issue. For warranty repairs, we handle the claim process directly with your warranty provider.
Audio equipment repair requires specialized knowledge that is fundamentally different from consumer electronics repair. A refrigerator either works or it doesn't. An audio component can appear to work but deliver distorted sound, suffer from intermittent failures, or operate at reduced performance. Diagnosing audio issues requires proper test equipment (oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers), trained ears to identify distortion characteristics, and the patience to trace signal paths through complex circuitry. Our service center is equipped with manufacturer-approved testing equipment, proper ESD protection, and a reference listening environment that allows us to verify proper audio performance before returning equipment to customers.
Brands We Service
We are factory-authorized to repair audio equipment from all major manufacturers. Factory authorization means we have access to manufacturer service manuals, schematic diagrams, technical bulletins, and genuine OEM replacement parts that are not available through consumer channels.
Common Audio Equipment Problems We Repair
Audio equipment failures fall into several categories: power issues, signal path failures, channel imbalances, distortion issues, and connectivity problems. Each category requires different diagnostic approaches and different replacement components. Unlike some repair shops that operate on guesswork or board-level replacement, we diagnose to the component level. We identify the specific failed capacitor, transistor, relay, or integrated circuit. This approach costs less and results in repairs that last.
The receiver or amplifier will not power on, or it powers on briefly and then shuts off. This is typically caused by a failed power supply, blown fuse, or protection circuit activation. High-end audio equipment uses sophisticated protection circuits that shut down power when they detect DC offset, excessive current draw, or thermal overload. We test voltage rails throughout the power supply, check for shorted output transistors, and verify proper operation of protection circuits. Power supply components for Yamaha, Denon, and Marantz receivers are model-specific and must be sourced from authorized distributors. See our manufacturer partnerships.
The equipment powers on, but there is no sound from one or both channels. Or sound is present but extremely weak. This can be caused by failed output transistors, bad solder joints, failed coupling capacitors, or defective relay switches in the signal path. We trace the audio signal from input to output, measuring voltage and waveform at each stage. A channel failure in a stereo amplifier requires identifying which stage of amplification has failed—the input buffer, voltage amplifier, driver stage, or output stage. We use oscilloscopes and signal generators to inject known test signals and observe where they disappear. Learn about warranty coverage for amplifier failures.
Sound is present but distorted, harsh, or lacking detail. Distortion can be caused by failed capacitors (especially electrolytic capacitors that dry out over time), biased output transistors, worn potentiometers, or failing integrated circuits. Identifying distortion requires trained listening and proper test equipment. We measure total harmonic distortion (THD), signal-to-noise ratio, and frequency response. Vintage equipment often suffers from aging electrolytic capacitors—a 30-year-old receiver may have dozens of capacitors that are past their service life. Capacitor replacement is labor-intensive but restores the equipment to original specifications.
Turntables are mechanical precision instruments. Speed inconsistency (wow and flutter), tonearm tracking problems, and worn cartridges all affect sound quality. We service belt-drive and direct-drive turntables from all major manufacturers. Common turntable issues include stretched or degraded drive belts, dirty speed controls, worn stylus, and improper tonearm alignment. Turntable repair requires mechanical skill and the patience to properly calibrate tracking force, anti-skate, and azimuth. We also service vintage turntables—equipment from the 1970s and 1980s that still outperforms many modern units when properly maintained.
Modern receivers and amplifiers incorporate HDMI switching, Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi streaming, and network audio protocols (AirPlay, Chromecast, DLNA). When these features fail, the issue can be software (firmware), hardware (failed modules), or configuration. We update firmware when available, test HDMI handshake protocols, and verify proper operation of wireless modules. HDMI board failures are common on receivers manufactured between 2010-2015—many units used HDMI 1.4 chipsets that fail prematurely. HDMI board replacement requires genuine OEM parts to maintain HDCP (copy protection) compliance.
Our diagnostic approach: We do not guess. We test, measure, and trace signal paths until we identify the failed component. This saves you money and ensures the repair addresses the root cause, not just symptoms. Drop off your audio equipment for diagnosis.
How Audio Equipment Repair Works
The audio repair process is straightforward. You bring your equipment to our service center in Lincoln, we diagnose the issue, provide you with a repair estimate, and complete the repair once you approve the estimate. For warranty repairs, we coordinate with your warranty provider directly.
- Bring Your Equipment to Our Service Center Drop off your audio equipment at our Lincoln location (1107 North Cotner Blvd). We recommend calling ahead at (402) 466-9090 to confirm we have availability. Bring any remotes, power cables, manuals, and warranty documentation if available. If you are bringing a complete system, we prefer to receive all components (receiver, amplifier, CD player, etc.) so we can test them together.
- Diagnostic Assessment We perform a full diagnostic assessment using proper test equipment. We test power supply voltages, signal path continuity, channel balance, distortion levels, and frequency response. We identify the specific failed component or circuit. Diagnostic time varies based on complexity—a dead power supply can be diagnosed in an hour, while intermittent distortion may require extended burn-in testing.
- Repair Estimate Provided We contact you with a detailed repair estimate. The estimate includes the cost of parts, labor, and any additional testing required. If your equipment is under warranty, we coordinate with your warranty provider to determine coverage. Learn how warranty repairs work.
- Parts Ordered (If Approved) Once you approve the estimate, we order the genuine OEM replacement part from the manufacturer or from an authorized distributor. Audio equipment parts can take longer to source than consumer electronics—some specialty components may require 1-2 weeks. We keep you informed of parts availability.
- Repair Completed and Tested We install the replacement part and perform comprehensive testing. We verify proper operation across all inputs and outputs, test at multiple volume levels, and perform extended burn-in testing to ensure the repair is stable. For amplifiers and receivers, we test with actual speakers under load. We do not return equipment to a customer unless it meets manufacturer specifications.
- Pick Up Your Repaired Equipment We contact you when your equipment is ready for pickup. We provide a 30-day warranty on all parts and labor (in addition to any manufacturer warranty on the replacement part). We recommend bringing the equipment home and testing it in your own listening environment—if you experience any issues, contact us immediately.
Typical turnaround time: Most audio repairs are completed within 5-7 business days once parts arrive. Complex repairs, vintage equipment, or hard-to-source parts may take longer. High-end and vintage equipment repair may require 2-3 weeks for proper diagnosis and parts sourcing. Visit our service center.
Warranty vs. Out-of-Warranty Repairs
If your audio equipment is under warranty, you should always file a warranty claim before paying for a repair out of pocket. Many customers do not realize their equipment is still covered. The manufacturer's warranty may still be active (typically one year from purchase, sometimes longer for high-end brands), you may have purchased an extended warranty from the retailer, or your credit card may provide purchase protection.
If your equipment is covered by a manufacturer's warranty or an extended warranty plan (Assurant, SquareTrade, etc.), we handle the claim on your behalf. You do not pay for parts or labor. The warranty provider pays us directly. We diagnose the issue, confirm it is covered under warranty, order the part, complete the repair, and notify you when your equipment is ready. See which warranty companies we work with.
If your equipment is not under warranty, we charge a $42.90 diagnostic fee. This fee is subtracted from the total repair cost if you approve the repair. If you decline the repair, the diagnostic fee covers our time and expertise in identifying the issue. Audio repairs can range from $150 (simple component replacement) to $800+ (complete amplifier rebuild, vintage equipment restoration). We provide a detailed estimate before proceeding.
When is audio equipment not worth repairing? If the repair cost exceeds 60-70% of the replacement cost for modern equipment, replacement is usually more economical. However, vintage and high-end audio equipment is often worth repairing even when repair costs are substantial—a 1980s Marantz receiver or a McIntosh amplifier can be fully restored and will outperform modern equipment in the same price range. We provide honest recommendations based on the equipment's value and repairability.
Our recommendation: Before bringing in your equipment, check if it is under warranty. Look for your purchase receipt, check your credit card benefits, or contact the retailer where you purchased it. Many extended warranties are forgotten. Learn more about the warranty process.
Why Factory-Authorized Audio Repair Matters
Factory authorization means the manufacturer has certified us to repair their products and provided us with access to technical resources that are not available to independent repair shops or hobbyists. This includes service manuals with complete schematic diagrams, technical service bulletins that document known issues and solutions, access to genuine OEM replacement parts, and direct technical support from manufacturer engineering departments.
Independent audio repair shops and hobbyists often source parts from third-party suppliers, salvage parts from donor units, or use "equivalent" replacement components. These parts may function, but they are not matched to the original specifications. Audio equipment design involves careful component selection—a coupling capacitor is not just a capacitor, it is a specific type (film, electrolytic, ceramic) with specific characteristics (capacitance, voltage rating, ESR, temperature coefficient) chosen by the design engineer. Substituting an "equivalent" part may restore function but degrade audio performance in subtle ways that only become apparent during critical listening.
We source parts directly from Yamaha, Denon, Marantz, Sony, and all other manufacturers we service. Every part we install is genuine OEM or meets manufacturer specifications. This protects your warranty, ensures proper performance, and provides the reliability you expect from quality audio equipment.
For vintage equipment where OEM parts are no longer available, we source modern equivalents that meet or exceed original specifications. We do not use bargain-bin capacitors or generic semiconductors. We use premium components from reputable manufacturers (Nichicon, Panasonic, Vishay, On Semiconductor) with specifications that match or improve upon the original design. This is particularly important for vintage amplifier restoration—cheap capacitors fail prematurely and can damage other components when they fail.
The bottom line: Factory-authorized repair protects your warranty, ensures proper component selection, and provides access to manufacturer technical support that independent shops do not have. For vintage and high-end equipment, proper component selection is the difference between restoration and degradation. See our factory authorizations.