Analog Store — Local services in Smithfield

I am a former customer of Alex for some time. He repaired some amplifiers for me in the past when he had a shop in Raleigh. However, do not waste your time dealing with him. My recent experience with him confirms that it is better to seek out another technician how has better customer relations skills. For example, I inquired about a repair on a solid state amplifier with an shorted out transistor. He asked if I had a schematic for the amplifier. I said of course not ( who normally does) but it was visible and he could take his time to diagnosis it because I was going on vacation. He said ok, bring it to him. This was in August. I gave him my phone number and email to contact me. Almost seven weeks later, I called because he had not contacted me. When we talked, he had not even attempted to look at it. Mind you, I had removed the top plate screws for him and travelled about an hour to bring him the amp. He started talking about needing a schematic. He did not even try to do research or anything. That was in late September. I called again in October and he said that he would charge 3-4 hours of labor to look at it and could not guarantee a repair. Again, he did nothing. Today, November 3rd, I inquired about the a repair. He began to go into a quite rude explanation of how “difficult” to diagnosis a problem without a schematic. I asked if he tried to even examine for any other apparent damage visually. He went into the schematic explanation again. I said I would travel to pick it up. Now even people in less fortunate areas of the world fix these amplifiers, if possible, without a schematic. It is on the internet. Alex said he would charge me 60 dollars, when had done absolutely nothing. The only thing he did was put it on a cart, to move it around. I know he did nothing because he did not even know the screws were inside where I placed them. He still had the audacity to charge me 60 bucks. He was so lazy to not clean off the cat hair that was not the top plate. I usually do not write stuff about people, but a rude technician with apparently 40 years of experience who did what I just described should be avoided. He said it is his time and my money. Alex is not worth your time...

Since last year when I took my Teac reel to reel to Alex, I've been calling, texting, and emailing for the status of this item. I received an email from Alex informing me of what it would cost to repair my reel to reel and the approval to do the work, which I authorize him to do the work Since that time it had very difficult to get in touch with Alex, he does respond to calls, texts, or email. I would like to get my reel to reel back but Alex has going under the radar. My next step is to file a complaint...

He runs his shop in his house which is a bit off the main roads and a cluttered mess. He wouldn't let me use the bathroom when we went to pick up the amps despite me having a mask on, driving an hour to him, and being miles away from any gas station. Overall, very rude and ornery old man that didn't deserve the business. Go elsewhere...