“I recently purchased a tube amp, however, soon it developed a problem and required service. The builder was off shore and the limited warranty had expired. I was involved in high-end audio during the 90′s and at that time met Pat. I heard he had ramped up his service department so I contacted him to see if he could help me. I dropped off the amp at his shop and was very impressed by the setup, quality & quantity of the test gear, his knowledge and friendly attitude. I was very satisfied with his repair job, the work was done in a timely manner and was reasonably priced”
Graham T (Portland, Oregon)
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“About three years ago I decided to go on the hunt for McIntosh tube gear. I was looking for items that were mint and all original. It took me quite a while to track down just the items that I was looking for and in mint condition. After my hunt was over I then was on a mission to find someone to refurbish my newly acquired treasures. There are many good technicians that I found on the Internet but they were all out of state. I hoped for someone closer to home. One day I went on Craig’s List and spotted Pat’s vintage electronics restoration ad talking about tube gear service. I gave him a call and we talked for at least half an hour. I was impressed with his knowledge and his way of explaining things to me in great detail. Soon I brought two of my amps to him “and it was a real treat that I only had to drive about twenty minutes”. Well, when he had them ready I couldn’t be happier. Pat did a beautiful job on them and they sound superb. Since then I have had him rebuild my pre amp and tuner (McIntosh MR-71)as well. In fact, if you click on McIntosh under classic tube gear you will see my two MC-60 amps and C-22 pre amp. Those black V-Caps that you see on the red carpet are now residing in my amps. I highly recommend Classic Tube Audio for any tube equipment. They are a class act.”
Jim R (Portland, Or)
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“ Had the good fortune of finding Pat’s store and service years ago on ebay. After several disappointing tube amp repairs from several sources I decided to send him my problem child. He quickly diagnosed the problem, made the repair and gave me additional recommendations to improve my unit.
That was six different unit repairs ago. I will not deal with anyone else. Pat’s sevice is exceptional, thorough, professional and his passion for tube audio shines in his craftmanship and expertise. Most of my units are not museum quality. In fact several look like Susan Boyle. Pat has made them all “sing” like Susan Boyle!”
Mark K (Las Vegas, Nevada)
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“I took a tired, worn out and non-working Scott 350 FM tuner to Pat for a difficult resurrection. After a few weeks it was back in my hands and performing good as new. I listen to its tube magic every day. Thanks Pat” !
Richard C (Vancouver, WA)
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I’m an audio/Hi Fi enthusiast; with a passion for vintage tube equipment (Dynaco, McIntosh) and vintage turntables (Oracle, Thorens, Sota, Ariston). Recently I came across a “sputtering” Thorens TD125 MKII turntable in need of rescuing and some TLC. I figured that either the motor was bad, the table’s electronics, or both. I contacted Pat via “Craig’s List” and asked him to take a look, to see if he could at least run some diagnostics and isolate the problem. It didn’t take Pat long to diagnose a bad IC and recommend repairs and upgrades (needed now and later), the table was up and running in no time. This is a great illustration of Pat’s ability to run diagnostics, problem solve, and repair all, at a reasonable price.
Subsequently, Pat has worked on my “noisy” Dynaco ST70; again repairing, recommending upgrades (needed now and later) and choice(s) of tube replacement. I highly recommend Pat for his in-depth knowledge of audio electronic theory and expert repair.
Jim L (Vancouver, WA)
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I brought Pat a Melos preamp with a weird, fluctuating volume problem and some VTL amps in need of new caps. I was impressed by Pat’s collection of old tube gear and test equipment. He has more gear at his place than most stereo shops have! I found Pat to be knowledgeable, friendly, enthusiastic and fair. He could not fix my Melos preamp and so did not charge me for the time he spent trying to fix it. In my VTL’s, he found some failing parts and replaced them, replaced all the caps in my VTL’s, and indeed, after consulting with me, recommended upgrading the coupling caps from Wimas to TRT Dynamicaps. I took his recommendation, and he completed the upgrade for less than the VTL factory would have charged me.
The difference after the upgrade? Drums, drums, and more drums. Rimshots have a snap to them that they didn’t before; cymbals also have a quickness that immediately draws attention. I jumped quite a few times in familiar songs when the drums or cymbals first appeared. Also, there is much more bass and it seems a little tighter. I also notice more detail. In general, most sounds just have more presence, especially sounds with fast transients. Soundstage also improved. I did the Roger Waters dog bark test from Amused to Death, and the dog totally changed positions from before upgrade of about 75 degrees right to after upgrade of 10 degrees right (i.e., between the speakers instead of outside of the plane of the speakers), yet the crickets were still outside the plane, even further so. I then started playing SACD’s on the Oppo bdp 83SE. It blew my mind on my most familiar soundstaging test, which is the clocks at the beginning of Time on DSOTM. Before, the clocks always hung in the plane of the speakers, but a spectacular 2-D effect nonetheless. Now, I heard two of the clocks at a hard right, 90 degrees!! I had absolutely no idea that was possible on a stereo recording!
Anyway, I have whole new perspective on my music. This is fun! Thanks Pat!
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Tom T. (Vancouver, WA)
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Pat, I have never written a testimonial before.
This HH Scott 299D after being recapped and a few modifications done to it is sounding better than it ever has in the previous three years I have owned it.
The work that Pat has done to this old amp has given it new life. The soundstage is bigger and deeper. I am hearing more detail in the music. The noise floor is much lower in all sections including the phono section, which had a very high noise floor before Pat worked on this unit.
I love using this amp in conjuction with my Klipsch Belle’s. It seems they were made for each other.
I would highly recommend Pat to tube audio lovers to perform needed restoration or modifications that will enhance your music listening pleasure.
Thank you Pat for doing such a good job.
Regards, Thomas B. (Tacoma,WA)
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My 5 year old McIntosh MA 2275 amp developed a problem and a tube was overheating.
Looking for a service shop in my local area, I found Pat’s website and contacted him via email.
Pat responded promptly and soon after we talked on the phone.
He was very knowledgeable and helped me understand the nature of my problem.
Pat accommodated my schedule and I was able to bring to bring the amp to his shop in the evening.
The amp was repaired and ready for pick up in 10 days. His work was excellent and the cost reasonable.
He also replaced the tired original preamp tubes with NOS tubes from his personal inventory.
His attention to detail shows as the case and all screws still look as new after his work was done.
The amp sounds better than it has in a long time.
Ed C. (Vancouver, WA)
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I started using Pat’s services when a friend in the audio industry recommended his outstanding expertise. The way my friend put it was that this guy really knows his stuff. So owning a number of classic tube components which required servicing, I decided to send Pat a 1966 Lafayette ST-630 integrated amplifier. This is a rather unique amplifier in that it is fairly rare and has some quirky operating functions. After Pat inspected it he made some recommendations for improvement and we went forward with the upgrades. When I received the Lafayette back, it not only performed flawlessly but sounded better than ever. This impressed me so much that I decided to send Pat a blown Heathkit W5M mono block amplifier. After his analysis, he immediately knew how to fix the problem. I received the amp back within two weeks of sending it to him and not only is it performing smoothly but it sounds fantastic. How does Pat do it? By providing some of the best knowledge of tube equipment in the audio industry with an uncanny ability to diagnose and correct problems and offer this at a reasonable cost with service second to none. Pat has earned my respect and my highest recommendation.
Gordon L (Seattle, WA)
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Back in 1994 I bought a old 1956 Mono Tube McIntosh, that needed a full restoration. I started with the cosmetics of the MC30 power amp and C8 preamp. I wanted to rechrome the chassis of the power amp and redo the silk screening. But it would take a lot of time and work for me to do it. I also tore the chassis of the preamp apart to powder coat it. This was done in 1995, I never did finish it from there. Fast forward 15 years later, I decided to finish this project. I found a new reproduction chrome chassis for the MC30 power amp. Now who would I take this to and restore it? I didn’t know where to go. I found Pat’s ad on the computer and called him up. He told me,”Sure I can do this for you”. He made it sound and look like a new Hi-Fi! He also restored a McIntosh MR55 tuner to go with the Hi-Fi. I’m using a new Klipschorn with this system. I’m highly impressed with Pat and his knowledge! Thank You very much Pat!
Todd (Graham, WA.)
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Hello Pat,
Here’s hoping the New Year finds you well and content and ever busy. Well, I have had the Dynaco components you restored for me home for a while now and must say I am very, very pleased. I have certain reference input I listen to for comparison; Schoenberg Violin Concerto for highs, U-2 Joshua Tree for bass and drums, Beethoven 9th for orchestration, Sinatra, Julie London, Miles Davis, etc. There have been absolutely no letdowns, the sound is marvelous.
I took your advice and called Andy Bowman about a 5AR4 to replace the Sovtek in my ST-70. I bought a Dynaco labled Mullard from him. The entire sound is more defined and clean with the NOS Mullard tube. While talking to him he asked me to consider a 7199 upgrade. I believe the tubes in my unit are JAN-Phillps. I read positive comments about the RCA 7199′s and am inclined to go in that direction and keep the Phillips as backup. Are there other options that exceed the performance of the Phillips?
Finally, I can not say enough about your service and the care you take in explaining to a virtual novice like me exactly what you do, and why, in language that I can comprehend. I really appreciate that. Perhaps in the spring we can toss around ideas on some further “tweaks” to the Dyna that you mentioned.
All my best regards,
Rob W (Portland, Oregon)
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A couple of months ago, I got the vintage tube bug and bought a nice pair of Heathkits on ebay – an AA-151 Integrated Amp and a AJ-32 Tuner. When I got them, they seemed to be in good shape but according to the original owner, hadn’t been used in years.
I asked a friend about how to go about checking them out and he recommended Classic Tube Audio, based upon another friends experience with them. I immediately sent an email to them and got a quick response from Pat. Units were delivered to him within a week.
Pat checked them over and gave me a detailed analysis of issues found (caps, power supply and a couple of tubes were gone or going) along with his recommendation on how to proceed. After some dialogue about my wishes to keep the units as true to original as possible, repair was authorized and he got started.
Pat completed the work quickly. He walked me through the repairs, the current performance of the units and I got my amp and tuner back with all old parts.
Let me say, that the entire experience was great – good communication, quality work and the sound is fantastic!! Couldn’t be happier!
Can recommend Classic Tube Audio and Pat without reservation…will certainly do more business with him in the future myself.
Cheers,
Clayton K (Seattle, WA)
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I acquired a beautiful pair of McIntosh MC 30 amplifiers, and as with any tube gear from the 60′s they needed new capacitors to work and sound their best. Originally I intended to undertake the re-cap myself, but after thorough research I felt that I didn’t have the tools or expertise to do the job properly and safely. So began my search for a tech.
I was ready to send my amps to someone in the Bay Area when I caught one of Pat’s Craigslist ads.Β His website www.Classictubeaudio.com is professional and neatly designed, and from reading it I got a sense that he was very experienced. I emailed Pat with some questions and he answered them promptly and courteously. Several email exchanges later and I was driving the Macs to his house. In person, Pat is very friendly, upbeat, and extremely knowledgeable with everything that is tubed. His workshop is well stocked with equipment and he’s got the wildest tube tester I’ve ever seen. We got to know each other a little, talked about McIntosh gear and tube preamps, and established a due date for completion. I drove home without a doubt that I had come to the right place.
Pat kept me informed on his progress and gave me some options along the way to modernize the amps. Some of the tubes were weak, so he sold NOS replacements from his personal collection (at prices close to what they were online). At one point I was interested in ‘designer’ coupling caps but Pat recommended that I try the amps with standard ones first. I took his advice and now I’m glad I didn’t spend extra money.
The MC 30s were completed on time and I drove up to get them. Pat’s work on the amplifiers showed the same care and attention to detail that McIntosh technicians did when they built them. His price for the restoration was very reasonable, I don’t feel like I was overcharged for the service I got. Before I left he offered some tips on how to clean up the chassis and improve the amplifiers cosmetically, which admittedly I still need to do…
When I got home I wasted no time reintegrating the amps back into my system (turntable, decent SS preamp, Klipsch La Scalas). Initially they sounded better than they had in decades, and after some burn-in they truly began to sing. Detail improved greatly, the soundstage got deeper, and music sounded much more natural. On top of improved sonics, I can rest assured the amps will operate safely for the next 50 years at least.
Overall I am very happy with Pat’s restoration and his prices. I would not hesitate to use his services again, or to recommend Classic Tube Audio to someone else.
Cheers,
Dave N (Eugene, OR)
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The best way to describe my experience with you is “full service”. From the beginning, you described various options on how to proceed with my restoration. You informed me of different possible outcomes. You did not “fix” my gear, you asked what my expectations were and then exceeded them.
When that great day came to pick up my amps, you spent time going over the restorations and gave me tips on future use. You did not rush me, but were patient and ensured I understood the information you were giving me.
I now have a pair of MC40s and an MX110 that sound better than I could have imagined. Now if I could just get you to come off those Klipsch speakers…
Michael D (Vancouver, WA)
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I recently submitted two newly acquired vintage, tube stereo components to Pat for restoration; a McIntosh MR-65b FM tuner and a Scott LK-30 Integrated amplifier. I had played both units in my home for a month or so and was very pleased with the sound quality of both, especially the McIntosh, which I thought had near CD quality sound characteristics. However, both pieces had obvious issues that needed to be addressed, and soon, if I wanted to continue playing them.
I delivered the components to Pat, we talked about goals for restoration and set up communication channels. I cannot say enough about the positive way the entire experience proceeded. There were, in each component, certain unexpected issues that required a “forensic” approach to resolve. A modification to the LK-30 power supply and a deep troubleshooting procedure on the MR-65b multiplex section were necessary to resolve the issues on the components to everyone’s satisfaction. The communication during this project was sincerely outstanding! Pat kept me informed as each problem was identified, what his next steps would be and most importantly, sought my input along the way.
The Scott and McIntosh are now cabled together and filling my living room with beautiful music. The amplifier has the classic Scott sound; great bass, accurate mid-range and lovely high frequency range and yes, the MR-65b does indeed have CD quality sound and tunes precisely with zero frequency drift. Such a joy to listen to!
Sincerely,
Rob W (West Linn, OR)
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In the mid 1970’s I had a semi-mystical experience. This involved discovering the “magic” sound vintage tube equipment could have. That triggered a life long passion for the best equipment from the “Golden Age” of American Hi-Fi. During the ensuing years I’ve owned many of the finest pieces from major companies like McIntosh, Harmon Kardon, Fisher and Scott. Like many audiophiles I was always looking for that elusive sonic ” Holy Grail”. That involved selling numerous very fine pieces because they just didn’t’t sound right. The secret element that I was lacking materialized a couple of years ago in the form of Pat Hickman.
Since this discovery I’ve mused often about how I wish I would have met him earlier in my life. What Pat can do for a aficionado is bring vintage equipment back to the way it sounded when that equipment was new. His years of devotion to the restoration of vintage gear gives him the background to handle even the most difficult problems. Most of the pieces showing up today have been stored away in attics, garages and other out of the way places. This lack of use can bring on a multitude of hard to diagnose issues. Pat’s tenacity and background allow him to tackle issues many others would give up on. Pat’s personal passion for bringing back to life this audio heritage gives him a devotion to the equipment which results in the finest repairs.
He has so far done two pieces for me.
The first one is a Sansui AU-111. The unit used oil filled caps in large number. These were very good sounding when new but as they aged, started to leak. Leaky caps can pass DC which can damage other components. Pat tore the unit completely apart and cleaned every element and replaced dozens of caps, several diodes and a couple of tubes. I’ve been using this amp for over a year now and it has worked flawlessly.
The second amp is a Fisher KX-200. That did not require the complete tear down. But having been in storage for thirty or more years had some bias problem show up after the original rebuild. Even though he has a full time job in another field he had me come over right away dealt with the problem. The problem was solved and the amp sounds fantastic.
All that being said, I can honestly say that Pat’s devotion to the preservation of audio history, his very fair prices and world class knowledge make him one very special resource.
Sincerely,
Joe W (Portland, OR)
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I’ve always wanted some Mcintosh equipment. I’ve been a “programmer” on Friday mornings for over twenty years on Coast Community Radio here in Astoria so I have access to lots of music and some very nice stuff to play with there. But I wanted something for my home, I’m close to retirement can afford it and while it’s not the “best” it’s a step in that direction. In my search I came across Pat, his name was mentioned by people I respect so I emailed him and told him what I had and asked for advise. He quickly responded and after several emails he offered a McIntosh MA6100 in mint condition at a fair price. I picked it up last Sunday.
WOW! It’s not only beautiful to look at it’s the best thing to enter my house in a very long time. I’ve gone from Miles Davis to Joni Mitchell from Greg Brown to Bruce Hornsby, John Gorka to Bob Marley,Van morrison to Maura OcConnell and wether it’s the fingers sliding on strings with Steven Stills or the magic in the voice of James Taylor or the tightness of the band behind the latest Leonard Cohen band (which I saw when they were in Portland) I’m hearing music in my own home that I’ve been missing. So I’m more than pleased to recommend his shop and service. While there he shared a bit of his knowledge, a few of his projects and concerns. All this was like going back to a time when the world made more sense. Also I dropped off a McIntosh mx1200 for Pat to work his magic on, so I’ll be going back. On the air and making waves is what it’s all about…. Thanks Pat
(for the readers, this was a restored unit capacitors as needed, a minor circuit revision, power supply bypass, output section re-bias, a few “secret sauce” mod’s, Pat~)
Albert S (Astoria, OR)
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