Unfortunately like he mentioned the scumbags who downloaded the manuals, then scanned them to sell on eBay. As always humanity only cares about greed anymore.
@@martinwest2722 Last year or so when I had trouble I did email them and got back in. It took some back & forth but it eventually worked out. Did you try that?
Coming into the HiFi hobby as a new guy and it seems the registration for new people is still down. I am enjoying your videos so please keep them coming.
Nope. People should know by now that the HiFi site only works if you joined more than 2-3 years ago, otherwise you can’t join or access anything. Elecrotanya is a good alternative for schematics.
I've been doing audio repair for a few years now, and the problems I've been having is that no one wants to pay me for my time and electronics experience to repair their audio equipment!! Great video, thanks 😊
@@ET3Roberts Thanks for sharing, however, I try to keep my hourly rate reasonable, unfortunately I live in California and they just raised the minimum wage for fast food workers to $20.00 !, and then, possibly to $25 in a couple of years!, anyway, I know of a shop (a home based shop) in Los Angeles that charge about $175 per hour to check out and repair electronics equipment!
Exactly, I've got enough to do besides taking in others' equipment and fixing it anyway, so yeah, I'd want to be compensated if I did. But random customers will undoubtedly result in some trying to blame me for their woes and perhaps even file a lawsuit. And the government will want to get their hands on half the transaction so that more than doubles my labor cost when you add in having to process all that paperwork. So yeah, too bad, you voted for all that. Unintended consequences that are so easy to dismiss when narrowly focusing on perceived problems. Just learn to do yourselves and make it a hobby. If I could repair stuff as a child, others can surely learn to as adults.
You yourself Chris, you are one of very few people who have been a great help to people over the years and just as with HiFi Engine, we hope you are around for many years. I’ve learned a lot from you and I’ve been fascinated and entertained with your videos. So eat healthy and stay healthy.
Logged on Hifi Engine with no problems. Been there over 11 years and it's been very helpful. Tried several times to open a Vinyl Engine account over the last couple of years with no success.
been a member of HiFi Engine for 8 years . Looked up many many schematics for all sorts of items. Taught myself to read schematics and repairs electronics since I found my Realistic 120B in the attic that my dad bought new when I was 12! Now in my mid 60's I have something on my bench at all times. New builds and repairs alike. Hope the site doesn't go away. I just logged on it today!
From your recommendation I tried to set up an account with no luck. I wanted a service manual for my 1978 Harman Kardon 430. Also, just the nerd in me likes to browse through random equipment. Thanks for bringing this up and it's likely you're right about eBay resellers. 😢
I just went there. No trouble signing-in. Been a member for nearly 14 years. I most recently needed a service manual for a 1960, Pilot 654 receiver. They only show an owner's manual for this fairly rare model. Fortunately, someone at AudioKarma messaged me and offered the original SAMS service manual - paper copy, for $7.00, delivered to my door. I'm waiting for it now.
Wow, Pilot. I still have most of a Pilot Hi-Fi that had to be built in the late fifties. It was pretty special in the day. I've wondered if it might be of value.
@@elgringoec My Pilot receiver was TOTL in 1960. They manufactured two or three lesser models. Too bad I can't post a pic on this site, but it's a real beauty.
@@Manhattanman52 All tube, right? Mine has a preamp and tuner combo on one chassis and a power amp on another. 6L6 iirc. The tuner has one of those green display tubes that shows like a closing "V" to indicate tuning. This was before RIAA clinched the standard so there are three or four other de-emphasis options on the dial. Two separate output level controls in coaxial configuration, volume and loudness. I forget what else but I started playing with it at about age ten. Those two units are in good shape, the turntable I traded for a motorcycle (stupid in retrospect but at 14 I wanted to ride) the cabinet has been modified but is restorable, and I believe one or two of the four way speaker system drivers is cooked out from me running them too loud for too long. (Kids 🙄) Oh well, I learned a lot. Yeah I'm not up on posting/sharing pictures, at least not publicly. We share pics privately among the kids and grandkids pretty regularly though.
Have been a member for years but didn’t log in for a year or so then found I can’t log in anymore. The problem with people being blocked now is that the vast majority of documents were uploaded by people other than the site owner who had now taken ownership of all the material and unilaterally deciding who can and cannot access it. So what if material was also sold on eBay - there was no membership charge for this site so eBay sales were not affecting it commercially. The material is also 40 to 50 years old so no copyright issues now.
And people who are selling the documents are probably still members and have been for a long time.... How would he know who is or isn't selling them? Blocking new memberships helps exactly nobody.
Hi-Fi Engine is an invaluable resource! I had login trouble as an existing member of Hi-Fi engine a few months back, the user and password fields were missing from the main page. I poked around and noticed I COULD login on the 'Requests' page. I have had no trouble since. I have had to look elsewhere for a couple repairs, a Panasonic RS-805US 8-track recorder and a Panasonic RX-DT690 Portable stereo.
Hey Chris, been enjoying your channel for many years, thank you! Just to add to the database, I hadn't visited HiFiengine for several years now, but after watching this, I tried logging on. In my case, I had no problems. The site still recognized my computer and logged me in with one click. Looking forward to your next post. - JRH
It is so good to hear from you and please be aware that you are doing a great service. I've been a member for over 2 years and due to this video, I just logged in a few moments ago. I was not able to download due to some initial problems, but then I figured it out and everything worked great. The problem seemed to have been with the third-party software downloader I normally use. If this is of interest to anybody let me know and I will go over the problem and solution in more depth if desired. This post is getting long enough as it is. LOL Be well, The Old Country Engineer
Been a member for 4-1/2 years and I logged in easily just now. I wish all you skilled repair guys weren't gradually vanishing. 3rd repair guy I'm using is going on 2 years for a couple Yaesu vintage shortwave radios and a Magnovox console....2 hour drive each way.
I just logged in as well. I have been a member for 5 years and 4 months. I would pay an annual membership fee to access the site. I use it regularly. $25 USD would be a reasonable fee. After Gen-X is gone, I think the desire for this equipment will decrease substantially.
I just tried to register but they are not being accepted right now. I'm not sure if I was ever able to register, I have reference the site for many years when I've been looking for basic information. Like I'm a Wana be motor head, I am a Wana be technician of mid century audio gear. Grew up in the 60s and 70s listening to, and loving, the hifi scene. I've purchased a number of recievers over the past 4 years with my best purchase to date being a pioneer SX980. This one needs service, like most of the others I have purchased. Would love to have access to this sites manuals. I believe I tried a year or two to get access, and they were not accepting new registrations. And if I was suggessfull registering before that, my account was likely deactivated. Appreciate your you tube channel and love what you do for the community. I'll keep watching as I come accross new titles. Thanks again Scott😎
I've been a member of HiFi Engine for just over three years. Haven't been on it in over a year. I just logged in and downloaded a manual, so my account still works. I hadn't heard about Vinyl Engine - when I tried to sign up for it, I was taken to a message that said adding new accounts was disabled due to abuse. People looking for free rides at others expense always ruin a good thing.
As someone new to vintage audio I have had to look elsewhere for service manuals. Its a shame since the next generation of hobby technicians are cant access the same resources. Hifiengine should either offer membership or pass on the torch to someone who will.
Completely agree, just started this week teaching myself how to repair units. Wanted to access manuals so I could start learning. It's like a lot of data sources nowadays, all going behind pay walls. If anyone can suggest alternatives would greatly appreciate it.
I used them in the past I don’t remember my password anymore but I do have schematics from the original manufacturer in cd 💿 version and the same as you just a person who loves vintage audio stuff and collects the stuff always a big fan here let’s keep vintage stuff going for ever 👊
Been a hifiengine member for 7 years. Tried to look up some specs for my "old" turntable, couldn't use vinylengine, couldn't create a new membership. I share your concern for the future of these valuable and appreciated commodities.
im 21 im lucky when i was a teenager like 16 i made a account and luckily i can still have it every time i download a manual im saving it on a drive just to keep as a backup
Thank you Chris for your videos. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience with us. I’ve been a member of hi-fi engine for about three years recently I was able to log on and still download the service manual for Marantz 5420 cassette player. I don’t know if this will help anybody because I’m not even sure myself if it was simply coincidence or it actually had something to do with it, but I had tried to log into hi-fi engine and create account several times and was rejected. On New Year’s Eve at two minutes to midnight I started the login process to create an account, and when it struck midnight, I hit the enter button and got in and was able to create an account. I’m not sure if the rollover had anything to do with it, but might be worth a try for those out there willing to take the time to try to do it.
I hate that people are copying stuff and putting online for big $. I will NOT pay big $ for literature/service docs. I agree that it is very hard to find service people. There are NO places to service in my area now. I am shooting in the dark and don't have the skills either.
I’ll also say that printing them out on large paper is a service as well so I don’t see much of a problem with selling them on eBay. As long as the paper is 11x17 and the quality is good.
@@vintageaudioaddict i was trying to get info on arcam9 hifi to effect any kind of repair... frustrating, i think your assesment is spot on regarding doofers selling stuff and spoiling it for everyone....
I was one of those members who found his membership cancelled because I had not used the site for about a year. It would have been nice if the owner had sent out a warning to his members advising them as to what was going to happen to long-standing members. I wonder if her is planning on starting a paid service.
I personally think that the guy who owns & runs this site is another one of these self-important Mall-Cop Jerkoffs! YES, it's a great service! YES it's invaluable to those of us who service vintage audio equipment & do so for others! HOWEVER. It seems that this GOOF behind Vinyl Engine LOVES to "play God" with the users of his sites, as I found out both very quickly & also the hard way! He's an EXTREMELY judgemental & intolerant S.O.B. who reminds me all too much of others like him, such as the immoderate "Moderators" on the various forums & Chatrooms out there from the egotistical self-promoters like Steve Hoffman to the greedy & self-satisfied crew behind Canuck & USA Audiomarts. I'll get to the point. Gob forbid that you use these sites for anything other than their primary function! DO NOT participate in their forums!!! Download your manuals, upload your "For Sale" Ads, AND KEEP YOUR NEGATIVE OPINIONS OF AUDIO EQUIPMENT THAT YOU HAVE OWNED OR SERVICED TO YOURSELF. Because as soon as you do that, the Mall Cops in the Chat Rooms positively CHERISH their EVERY opportunity to lord over you with their sole & PATHETIC power to lord over you, bully you, humiliate you, & kick you off the site PERMANENTLY! I'm not the only one who has been kicked off Hi-Fi Engine for no apparent reason; I can only guess that that's what got me consigned to the trashbin without either the courtesy of a notification that my membership had been terminated, nor any explanation as to WHY, or WHAT my heinous crime was, & BEST OF ALL, GETTING ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSE TO EXTREMELY POLITE E-MAILS SENT TO THE WEBMASTER AS TO WHAT HIS "PROBLEM" WITH ANY OF MY CONTENT WAS!!!🫤🪓 This BASTARD at Hi-Fi Engine could have simply banned me from his forums, WITHOUT banning me from the entire site, so that at least I could still have access to downloading the service manuals that I need more to HELP OTHERS by repairing their vintage equipment than my own! Everyone is crying, rightfully, that there's a real shortage of qualified technicians willing or able to fix their equipment. So thank Little Lord Fauntleroy for making the situation worse, because by not running his site for personal financial gain & instead running it so that he can be the sole & uncontested arbiter of other people's character & get to play God in his little tiny corner of the Internet sandbox, he's been causing an increasing amount of harm & chaos to the repair & collector community than he's helping it. I use Electrotanya of Hungary; his schematic library is ALMOST as big as Hi-Fi Engine's. You don't have to become a member because he doesn't offer "memberships" in order to hijack your personal information & IP address so that he can ban you from his site for as long as his ran-dumb 🤪 spitefulness holds up (which in Hi-Fi Engine's case is FOREVER!). He has banner & other on-sight ads to pay his bills, & best of all, he doesn't try to build up his user base by offering a bunch of Chatrooms so that he can shitcan people on a whim just because there wasn't enough fibre in his cereal that morning or he got a pimple on his bum!😂 My second choice is Radiomuseum, which also doesn't force you to become a member in order to download files although becoming a paid member allows you unlimited download privileges as opposed to the very limited downloading he allows per visit per day. I recommend that ALL of you that belong to Hi-Fi Engine IMMEDIATELY start to upload your Hi-Fi Brownloads to Electrotanya to ensure that you & others will have worry & hassle-free access to these schematics for now & a long time to come. In fact, I would ask any & all of you to upload any pdf's you have to every schematic site you can find, like manuals.lib etc. etc... Having all your eggs in one basket is gonna funk ya sooner or later; whether the Webmaster starts losing his marbles today or croaks tomorrow!🤨
Thanks for this reminder! I haven't logged in there for a while and thankfully I was still able to... Been on there over 7 years. 🤘 It's an absolute shame new folks can't join though... WTH is up with that? That's just silly. I would _gladly_ pay a little something, if just trying to join there for the 1st time. :/
Your welcome and thank you for sharing. It would be great to know why folks can't create new accounts. Inactive accounts and spam are part of having a website so I'm not sure that's the only reason why as folks have said. Excessive bandwidth costs? The files on HiFi are mostly small in size but they add up if you have thousands each day being downloaded.
Member for a long time and just logged in. Probably joined when I joined Audio Karma. Antique Radio Forums however I've been trying to join for two years. Finally heard a few others had the same problem so I gave up.
I'm still able to log in. Been a member about 6 or 7 years. I do usually get something from there about once a month. I had heard about this within the last year and made sure to just log in and grab something if I saw it randomly on the internet or for sale etc.
Thanks for all your great videos! I tried last night to sign up. This is the message it gives. Sorry, but due to abuse of our free service, the registration system has been disabled. While we work on a solution to this issue, the service remains open for existing members only. Hope it comes back to be available.
I tried to open an account about 2 months ago and got a message with words to the effect that they weren't taking new members at the moment. Lack of access to the manuals is the reason people can sell them on eBay. So making them unavailable benefits those sellers on eBay.
Almost 9 years, and it's still working for me. But... in response to this video, I did go and whitelist the site in my adblocker. Ads are tastefully distributed and are not intrusive. I just didn't think about it until now. I suggest others do the same if they haven't already. The ads are there to pay the bills and keep the lights on. Now it also has me thinking that I should gather up any manuals I have to see if there are any contributions I can make to the database. I wouldn't know what to do if the site went away.
My experience with HFE was sketchy at best... but that was almost a decade ago. At that time, the other (Hungarian) site had far, far superior coverage of what I needed (native Japanese or, rarely, European models). And there was (and still is) no membership hassles.
Got to know about hifiengine from your channel. Tried but couldn't find files for vintage Brazilian audio from 70/80s - no surprise, even in Brazil it is almost impossible. Have tried now (from your comments on login problems) and the message is this: "Account Registration Sorry, but registration is currently closed to new members. Registered users can Log In as normal." > it seems the case is exactly what you've described, easy money made on the work of others.
Greetings from the USA and thanks for sharing. It seems like a random mix of some people having login issues and others not. Some having issues after years of using hifi engine and others with no issues. It's hard to make out any kind of a pattern.
5 years 6 weeks on hifiengine i had roughly 2,5 on vinylengine until i couldn't login again, 1,5 year's on vinylengine since new account, thanks so much for all your advice, I was thinking of doing an electronics course, Any advice would be of great help please... thanks again for all you're interesting Vintage Audio advice 👍
Hello from Denmark New in repair scene; did try a lot of times to create a account. Always the same “registraton is closed at this time”. The owner of HFE is providing a great service, - I would like to be able to pay for downloadning a service manual. And that would be very much OK - if the price is right. If possible - extend my thanks and parise to this guy - if anybody knows who it is. Thank you for yor Channel as well. Dan Bay
"GETTING IN" vs. "DOWNLOADING": 6 year member but Infrequent user. Can login today, but canNOT download anything. Get "Sorry but this feature is currently unavailable." Then get "Sorry but you must be logged in to download files from the library." Would GLADLY pay fee for access!
Idea, Thought? If everyone with manuals goes to the Bay and searches for the manuals that they have (that are copies being sold) and then post a listing to sell copies of that manual for 2cents plus postage (USPS) then we would undercut all the unethical copiers of manuals. Mind you, be honest about it and tell folk if they can get an original then they should pay good money for that. Thats my 2cents. ??
i use it when i need it without a single problem.i'll remember not log in for almost a year thank god i wasn't cut out,is the place to go "when need it" to fix your vintage equipment that's what i do.i wouldn't ha e a problem if this would charge somethi g for it or a compliment fee as desire to keep this great service running for people liike us who download for repairing not for something else.
I think HiFi Engine "prefers" that you "contribute" and upload a service manual, owners manual, old advertizements, schematics or something, not already listed. Too many people using the site, are not contributing. Or like you said, copying the information, and selling it on eBay. Everyone should be able to contribute something to the site, especially if they have been long time members. As they must have "something" to add to the site, if they are "really" are into collecting and restoring vintage HiFI components...
I live in Iowa. And have been following and watching Vintage Audio Addicts videos for awhile. I sent a email after a repair video. Suggested HiFi engine wouldnt allow me to make an account. I also would love to find a repair tec in my area im in Dubuque. And have Ba, and Ca Sansui equipment.
I hadn't used it for a few years, but was able to log on and have been using it a few times a month for the last year. I found the site won't let me log in if I have any sort of VPN enabled. Hope it gets sustained or passed on to somone who will sustain it
There are many sites that have manuals for free download. I don't remember whether I ever joined HiFi Engine. Maybe if I found some of my old paperwork I would find all my registartion and password info...
I'm new to HiFi Engine and only joined last year...the only odd thing is that it forces me to remove the "full-stop" or "period" that's in my Gmail address...never been asked to do that when using my Gmail to login to any other website. Also, it never had any literature for the old amp i was restoring - an Eagle International A4400, however it did have literature for the other old amps i'm restoring (NAD and Rotel). I found the website really useful and will be sure to use again. Maybe the owner should charge a small fee for downloading documents - or an annual subscription?
I have not checked yet, but I would assume that someone in the inter webs, has archived the manuals and other save-worthy stuff on the way back machine.
Ill add parts are rapidly becoming unavailable. Most through hole parts have been discontinued for a few years now. Electrolytic caps are rapidly disappearing. Transistors as well. Digikey, Mouser, etc are becoming lists of obsolete parts. Soon, only Chinese companies will have unreliable parts with long wait times. Personally, most repairs are fairly straight forward. If I have to pull out schematics it will likely cost more than its worth or Ill make very little on the repair. On newer audio gear, aka Class D, there is almost no schematics available. The irony is prices are steadily going up on vintage gear but in a decade they will mostly be interesting paperweights.
Hello, do you have any experience with the Kenwood kr-9050 I recently acquired a one and the left aux input moves slightly and the output from the left speaker is not right what would be the best plan of action to replace this connection? Thank You.
I went to Analog Alley and got a Excellent quality Service manual for a Yamaha receiver. I couldn't find a complete one anyone where else and the price was cheap enough.
I have tried to log in over the last couple years and I cannot. I thought I registered when I first used it, but maybe not. I know at least 5 years it has been like that. I have gotten turntable info from them in the past. I was able to get a couple manuals from an online manual site (audio service manuals?), but many are dangerous with viruses etc. Others charge a lot.
My account was disabled due to inactivity, I wish I would have known I would have signed in more often. Sometimes a year goes by that seemed like a few months LOL.
I'm sorry to hear that. It seems for some folks something changed, now they can't login. From the comments it's difficult to figure out what that something is.
Important details: New registrations are disabled. "inactive" accounts do get deleted. The limit is at least one year, not sure. Downloads are limited per day or week, so you can't mass download.
Thanks for sharing. The burning question is..... why are new registrations disabled on hifi engine? I get the inactive accounts and the spam accounts that occur on any site being canned. Anyone who has run a site deals with inactive/spam and they deal with it.
Member over 10 years. I still can log in. I'm looking things up all the time. I would be lost with out all the info available there. I tend to not buy unless a service manual is available.
Was a member for 15 years before my log in was blocked. Now I cant get in. Tried setting up a new account but it wont allow me in. Would be happy to pay an annual access fee but this is not set up. But the frustration is in no comms from the site owner, no option to communicate with them or nothing. So have had to go to other sites for my needs
@@vintageaudioaddict I just hope the owner is ok and able to take on some feedback and react to it. As you said he or she must have costs to run the site and ten bucks a year or something from all members would surely help
I've been a member for years. I suffered an injury so I haven't been working on equipment lately. I think it's probably been a little over a year since I've used the service and I cannot get into it I can't create a new account that's really sucks.
I'm sorry about that but thanks for sharing. Yes, it really does suck. hifi engine is such a great source of info for the vintage audio collector/repairer.
Question ........ i have a MARANTZ 2245 that I bot NEW in 1976......... It still works & sounds GREAT & the ilumination is still VERY GOOD. Is the fact that I have rarely used this in the last 30 years the reason ? I would say it's been used less than 200 hrs & it's still in PRESTINE CONDITION!
It's great that your 2245 is still working well for you. The main issue for you are the old electrolytic capacitors that age even if your 2245 was never removed from it's original box. Anyways, there is a lot of information on the 2245 available on the internet and possible issues they may come up. Just google it......
Was an occasional user, but my old computer I used it with died a couple of years ago. As I can't remember my old login now and can't re-register, it's gone for me. :(
Alright, whatever happened to "doping it out"? I'm pre-internet and was working on these when they were new. You could phone or write the company, put a check in the mail, and eventually have a service manual delivered. But what seems cheap today, wasn't then. So we didn't have the luxury of service manuals for most things. But since we were competent technicians, we could make our own schematic when needed by doping it out, meaning follow the connections and draw it. It's pretty easy when there were no inner traces on circuit boards, parts were marked, no integrated circuits with millions of things going on inside, just discreet components and later on some op amps starting maybe the eighties? And all the circuitry is pretty similar with the occasional innovation. So if we could do it back then, how is that an excuse today?
@@vintageaudioaddict A man's gotta know his limitations! I started very young fixing things, maybe five? Crazy, right? Before teenage the neighbors would bring me TVs to fix. Mostly that meant testing tubes at the drugstore and grabbing a replacement. Maybe an occasional solder joint. But I learned what sections did what and could pinpoint problems. I did a lot of reading and learned basic electricity and electronics. My orthodontist gave me s Heathkit AA100 I got working and used for years. I learned amplifier circuits both tube and transistor which made it easy to figure out what was going on. Then I started modifying stuff to improve sound quality. Then designing and building my own preamps and power amps. Between HS and college I worked in an audiophile store rebuilding customer units. I graduated an electrical engineer and went into circuit design, analog and digital. And switching power supplies. I built more audio stuff for myself over the years. Except that one summer job I've been only an amateur hobbyist all my life.
been a member for 5 years, hadn't logged in for awhile, was scared when you said some couldn't get back in, but it let me login in and reset my password and everything
By restricting new members it adds value to the manuals, and feeds the market for selling them. If they are freely available there would be no market to sell them in.
True, my point was following from where you said people might be obtaining manuals from hifi engine and selling them, so has access been restricted because of that. I think this could be counter productive as for new users it could mean Ebay is the only access and they would have to pay.
They should charge $5 each per manual to ensure there's enough revenue to keep it going. Along with that, having the flexibility to pay using credit, debit, or PayPal. This way, when the one guy is gone, someone else is more than glad to take over. ... And for those saying $5 is too much. Ask yourself what you're willing to spend now to restore your project.
I always go to Hi-Fi Engine usually every day just to look up info for vintage equipment. But every single time every day I try to register to become a member, it always say's " Registration is closed at this time. I've been trying forever. That's a shame because I would really like to contribute my comment's. Thanks
They closed registrations on both HFE and VE due to spam, and people downloading the manuals to then sell / redistribute. The reality is you can't ever prevent this, and frankly it isn't worth worrying about - closing off such a community-driven resource was a bad move. It will probably end up being hidden behind a paywall
They could make a membership! Worth every penny for having the correct service manual for what you're trying to repair.
There is a market for it.
Been a member for 14 years. This includes vinylengine. Whoever runs this site deserves our appreciation. Whoever you are... thank you.
Unfortunately like he mentioned the scumbags who downloaded the manuals, then scanned them to sell on eBay. As always humanity only cares about greed anymore.
Ya, thanks for nothing I can’t get in.
@@martinwest2722 Last year or so when I had trouble I did email them and got back in. It took some back & forth but it eventually worked out. Did you try that?
11.5 yrs.
No problem getting in today.
Thanks for all your videos sir.
Daniel
Hey Daniel, your welcome and thanks for watching.
Coming into the HiFi hobby as a new guy and it seems the registration for new people is still down. I am enjoying your videos so please keep them coming.
I just logged in with no problem. I've been a member for 7 years. My hopes are that this site doesn't go away.
same here, just downloaded a manual
Thanks for the info.
Nope. People should know by now that the HiFi site only works if you joined more than 2-3 years ago, otherwise you can’t join or access anything. Elecrotanya is a good alternative for schematics.
Same! 🤙
I've been doing audio repair for a few years now, and the problems I've been having is that no one wants to pay me for my time and electronics experience to repair their audio equipment!! Great video, thanks 😊
Yup, great comment. You should should expect to pay a good technician working on vintage audio equipment like a professional. Thanks for watching.
Probably because after just a few hours you're going to charge more than the item is worth.
@@ET3Roberts Thanks for sharing, however, I try to keep my hourly rate reasonable, unfortunately I live in California and they just raised the minimum wage for fast food workers to $20.00 !, and then, possibly to $25 in a couple of years!, anyway, I know of a shop (a home based shop) in Los Angeles that charge about $175 per hour to check out and repair electronics equipment!
Exactly, I've got enough to do besides taking in others' equipment and fixing it anyway, so yeah, I'd want to be compensated if I did. But random customers will undoubtedly result in some trying to blame me for their woes and perhaps even file a lawsuit. And the government will want to get their hands on half the transaction so that more than doubles my labor cost when you add in having to process all that paperwork. So yeah, too bad, you voted for all that. Unintended consequences that are so easy to dismiss when narrowly focusing on perceived problems.
Just learn to do yourselves and make it a hobby. If I could repair stuff as a child, others can surely learn to as adults.
You yourself Chris, you are one of very few people who have been a great help to people over the years and just as with HiFi Engine, we hope you are around for many years. I’ve learned a lot from you and I’ve been fascinated and entertained with your videos. So eat healthy and stay healthy.
Thanks, David. I appreciate your kind words. I wish the same for you and your family.
Logged on Hifi Engine with no problems. Been there over 11 years and it's been very helpful.
Tried several times to open a Vinyl Engine account over the last couple of years with no success.
Thanks for the info.
I have been a member for 13 years. No issue getting in. I would hate to see them go away!!!
been a member of HiFi Engine for 8 years . Looked up many many schematics for all sorts of items. Taught myself to read schematics and repairs electronics since I found my Realistic 120B in the attic that my dad bought new when I was 12! Now in my mid 60's I have something on my bench at all times. New builds and repairs alike. Hope the site doesn't go away. I just logged on it today!
From your recommendation I tried to set up an account with no luck. I wanted a service manual for my 1978 Harman Kardon 430. Also, just the nerd in me likes to browse through random equipment. Thanks for bringing this up and it's likely you're right about eBay resellers. 😢
I'm sorry that you were unable to open an account but thanks for sharing.
I have the HK 430 manuals, if you have some sort of address I can send it to which you are willing to post publicly I can do so.
Thank you sir for the heads up! I just logged in. I have been a member for 13 years. I did download manuals for all of my gear just in case.
I just went there. No trouble signing-in. Been a member for nearly 14 years. I most recently needed a service manual for a 1960, Pilot 654 receiver. They only show an owner's manual for this fairly rare model. Fortunately, someone at AudioKarma messaged me and offered the original SAMS service manual - paper copy, for $7.00, delivered to my door. I'm waiting for it now.
Wow, Pilot. I still have most of a Pilot Hi-Fi that had to be built in the late fifties. It was pretty special in the day. I've wondered if it might be of value.
@@elgringoec My Pilot receiver was TOTL in 1960. They manufactured two or three lesser models. Too bad I can't post a pic on this site, but it's a real beauty.
@@Manhattanman52
All tube, right? Mine has a preamp and tuner combo on one chassis and a power amp on another. 6L6 iirc. The tuner has one of those green display tubes that shows like a closing "V" to indicate tuning. This was before RIAA clinched the standard so there are three or four other de-emphasis options on the dial. Two separate output level controls in coaxial configuration, volume and loudness. I forget what else but I started playing with it at about age ten. Those two units are in good shape, the turntable I traded for a motorcycle (stupid in retrospect but at 14 I wanted to ride) the cabinet has been modified but is restorable, and I believe one or two of the four way speaker system drivers is cooked out from me running them too loud for too long. (Kids 🙄) Oh well, I learned a lot. Yeah I'm not up on posting/sharing pictures, at least not publicly. We share pics privately among the kids and grandkids pretty regularly though.
Have been a member for years but didn’t log in for a year or so then found I can’t log in anymore.
The problem with people being blocked now is that the vast majority of documents were uploaded by people other than the site owner who had now taken ownership of all the material and unilaterally deciding who can and cannot access it. So what if material was also sold on eBay - there was no membership charge for this site so eBay sales were not affecting it commercially. The material is also 40 to 50 years old so no copyright issues now.
Good points. Thanks for sharing.
And people who are selling the documents are probably still members and have been for a long time.... How would he know who is or isn't selling them? Blocking new memberships helps exactly nobody.
Only been member for just under 2 years. Still a great service. Love it. Helps me repair my old hifi equipment.
Hi-Fi Engine is an invaluable resource! I had login trouble as an existing member of Hi-Fi engine a few months back, the user and password fields were missing from the main page. I poked around and noticed I COULD login on the 'Requests' page. I have had no trouble since. I have had to look elsewhere for a couple repairs, a Panasonic RS-805US 8-track recorder and a Panasonic RX-DT690 Portable stereo.
I'm glad that you are good to go. As you said it is an invaluable resource. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Chris, been enjoying your channel for many years, thank you! Just to add to the database, I hadn't visited HiFiengine for several years now, but after watching this, I tried logging on. In my case, I had no problems. The site still recognized my computer and logged me in with one click. Looking forward to your next post. - JRH
It is so good to hear from you and please be aware that you are doing a great service. I've been a member for over 2 years and due to this video, I just logged in a few moments ago. I was not able to download due to some initial problems, but then I figured it out and everything worked great.
The problem seemed to have been with the third-party software downloader I normally use. If this is of interest to anybody let me know and I will go over the problem and solution in more depth if desired. This post is getting long enough as it is. LOL
Be well,
The Old Country Engineer
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience with HiFi engine.
it's not about trouble downloading, It is about new accounts not being allowed to be opened.
Been a member for 4-1/2 years and I logged in easily just now.
I wish all you skilled repair guys weren't gradually vanishing.
3rd repair guy I'm using is going on 2 years for a couple Yaesu vintage shortwave radios and a Magnovox console....2 hour drive each way.
I subscribed because you do a fine job explaining things. You’re a great teacher. I’m just learning all this vintage repair stuff
I just logged in as well. I have been a member for 5 years and 4 months. I would pay an annual membership fee to access the site. I use it regularly. $25 USD would be a reasonable fee. After Gen-X is gone, I think the desire for this equipment will decrease substantially.
I'd pay also. Hopefully a few of the kids will keep the old gear going.
Don't forget us Audiophile Baby Boomers !!!!!!!!!!!!
I just tried to register but they are not being accepted right now. I'm not sure if I was ever able to register, I have reference the site for many years when I've been looking for basic information. Like I'm a Wana be motor head, I am a Wana be technician of mid century audio gear. Grew up in the 60s and 70s listening to, and loving, the hifi scene. I've purchased a number of recievers over the past 4 years with my best purchase to date being a pioneer SX980. This one needs service, like most of the others I have purchased. Would love to have access to this sites manuals. I believe I tried a year or two to get access, and they were not accepting new registrations. And if I was suggessfull registering before that, my account was likely deactivated.
Appreciate your you tube channel and love what you do for the community. I'll keep watching as I come accross new titles.
Thanks again
Scott😎
Hi Scott, thanks a lot for the kind words and for sharing your experience with hifi engine.
I have been a member for 5 years and log in regularly. Love it and would hate to loose it.
That's good news! Thanks for sharing.
I've been a member of HiFi Engine for just over three years. Haven't been on it in over a year. I just logged in and downloaded a manual, so my account still works. I hadn't heard about Vinyl Engine - when I tried to sign up for it, I was taken to a message that said adding new accounts was disabled due to abuse. People looking for free rides at others expense always ruin a good thing.
Kudos to HiFi Engine! I've been a member for 15 years and 40 weeks and have gone a year or more without logging in. Maybe I'm just lucky.
As someone new to vintage audio I have had to look elsewhere for service manuals. Its a shame since the next generation of hobby technicians are cant access the same resources. Hifiengine should either offer membership or pass on the torch to someone who will.
Your correct. If the manuals to repair this equipment disappear so will the equipment.
Completely agree, just started this week teaching myself how to repair units. Wanted to access manuals so I could start learning. It's like a lot of data sources nowadays, all going behind pay walls. If anyone can suggest alternatives would greatly appreciate it.
I would happily pay a subscription for this site
I used them in the past I don’t remember my password anymore but I do have schematics from the original manufacturer in cd 💿 version and the same as you just a person who loves vintage audio stuff and collects the stuff always a big fan here let’s keep vintage stuff going for ever 👊
Thanks for sharing.
I"ve been on for 7 years and just logged in with no problem. It is a great service.
Thank you for the info.
been a member over 5 years. no problem logging in
I've been watching several of your videos, and your voice sounded so familiar! Finally! It came to me! You're Ben Stein!
I've been a HIFI Engine member for over 6 years and I was able to log in today.
Thanks for the info.
Been a hifiengine member for 7 years. Tried to look up some specs for my "old" turntable, couldn't use vinylengine, couldn't create a new membership. I share your concern for the future of these valuable and appreciated commodities.
im 21 im lucky when i was a teenager like 16 i made a account and luckily i can still have it every time i download a manual im saving it on a drive just to keep as a backup
Thank you Chris for your videos. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience with us. I’ve been a member of hi-fi engine for about three years recently I was able to log on and still download the service manual for Marantz 5420 cassette player. I don’t know if this will help anybody because I’m not even sure myself if it was simply coincidence or it actually had something to do with it, but I had tried to log into hi-fi engine and create account several times and was rejected. On New Year’s Eve at two minutes to midnight I started the login process to create an account, and when it struck midnight, I hit the enter button and got in and was able to create an account. I’m not sure if the rollover had anything to do with it, but might be worth a try for those out there willing to take the time to try to do it.
I hate that people are copying stuff and putting online for big $. I will NOT pay big $ for literature/service docs. I agree that it is very hard to find service people. There are NO places to service in my area now. I am shooting in the dark and don't have the skills either.
The owner should charge $15 a year for each account, he would make some money and then not worry about people selling repos on eBay.
I would pay for the docs.
@@vintageaudioaddict Me too, my friend; me too.
I’ll also say that printing them out on large paper is a service as well so I don’t see much of a problem with selling them on eBay. As long as the paper is 11x17 and the quality is good.
The eBay ad I showed in my video provides you with a file they send via email. You don't get anything printed out on paper.
A lot of them sell PDF copies on disc.
Member 12 years - can still log on today. Small annual subscription cost would be well worth it.
Yup, sure would. Thanks for sharing.
Member for
11 years 40 weeks,
Never had a problem logging in, I use the site regularly, sometimes not for a few months.
Thanks for sharing.
can't login anymore, been a member since about 2009, sad about this outcome
Man, that sucks. Sorry to hear that.
@@vintageaudioaddict i was trying to get info on arcam9 hifi to effect any kind of repair... frustrating, i think your assesment is spot on regarding doofers selling stuff and spoiling it for everyone....
I was one of those members who found his membership cancelled because I had not used the site for about a year. It would have been nice if the owner had sent out a warning to his members advising them as to what was going to happen to long-standing members. I wonder if her is planning on starting a paid service.
I'm sorry that you can't get in any longer but thanks for the info. I certainly would pay a fee to use the site as I'm sure many would.
I personally think that the guy who owns & runs this site is another one of these self-important Mall-Cop Jerkoffs! YES, it's a great service! YES it's invaluable to those of us who service vintage audio equipment & do so for others!
HOWEVER. It seems that this GOOF behind Vinyl Engine LOVES to "play God" with the users of his sites, as I found out both very quickly & also the hard way!
He's an EXTREMELY judgemental & intolerant S.O.B. who reminds me all too much of others like him, such as the immoderate "Moderators" on the various forums & Chatrooms out there from the egotistical self-promoters like Steve Hoffman to the greedy & self-satisfied crew behind Canuck & USA Audiomarts.
I'll get to the point. Gob forbid that you use these sites for anything other than their primary function! DO NOT participate in their forums!!! Download your manuals, upload your "For Sale" Ads, AND KEEP YOUR NEGATIVE OPINIONS OF AUDIO EQUIPMENT THAT YOU HAVE OWNED OR SERVICED TO YOURSELF.
Because as soon as you do that, the Mall Cops in the Chat Rooms positively CHERISH their EVERY opportunity to lord over you with their sole & PATHETIC power to lord over you, bully you, humiliate you, & kick you off the site PERMANENTLY! I'm not the only one who has been kicked off Hi-Fi Engine for no apparent reason; I can only guess that that's what got me consigned to the trashbin without either the courtesy of a notification that my membership had been terminated, nor any explanation as to WHY, or WHAT my heinous crime was, & BEST OF ALL, GETTING ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSE TO EXTREMELY POLITE E-MAILS SENT TO THE WEBMASTER AS TO WHAT HIS "PROBLEM" WITH ANY OF MY CONTENT WAS!!!🫤🪓
This BASTARD at Hi-Fi Engine could have simply banned me from his forums, WITHOUT banning me from the entire site, so that at least I could still have access to downloading the service manuals that I need more to HELP OTHERS by repairing their vintage equipment than my own!
Everyone is crying, rightfully, that there's a real shortage of qualified technicians willing or able to fix their equipment.
So thank Little Lord Fauntleroy for making the situation worse, because by not running his site for personal financial gain & instead running it so that he can be the sole & uncontested arbiter of other people's character & get to play God in his little tiny corner of the Internet sandbox, he's been causing an increasing amount of harm & chaos to the repair & collector community than he's helping it.
I use Electrotanya of Hungary; his schematic library is ALMOST as big as Hi-Fi Engine's. You don't have to become a member because he doesn't offer "memberships" in order to hijack your personal information & IP address so that he can ban you from his site for as long as his ran-dumb 🤪 spitefulness holds up (which in Hi-Fi Engine's case is FOREVER!). He has banner & other on-sight ads to pay his bills, & best of all, he doesn't try to build up his user base by offering a bunch of Chatrooms so that he can shitcan people on a whim just because there wasn't enough fibre in his cereal that morning or he got a pimple on his bum!😂
My second choice is Radiomuseum, which also doesn't force you to become a member in order to download files although becoming a paid member allows you unlimited download privileges as opposed to the very limited downloading he allows per visit per day.
I recommend that ALL of you that belong to Hi-Fi Engine IMMEDIATELY start to upload your Hi-Fi Brownloads to Electrotanya to ensure that you & others will have worry & hassle-free access to these schematics for now & a long time to come. In fact, I would ask any & all of you to upload any pdf's you have to every schematic site you can find, like manuals.lib etc. etc...
Having all your eggs in one basket is gonna funk ya sooner or later; whether the Webmaster starts losing his marbles today or croaks tomorrow!🤨
I logged in just fine. I've also contributed manuals to the site. I've seen posts that say the site is not accepting new members though.
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for this reminder! I haven't logged in there for a while and thankfully I was still able to... Been on there over 7 years. 🤘
It's an absolute shame new folks can't join though... WTH is up with that? That's just silly. I would _gladly_ pay a little something, if just trying to join there for the 1st time. :/
Your welcome and thank you for sharing. It would be great to know why folks can't create new accounts. Inactive accounts and spam are part of having a website so I'm not sure that's the only reason why as folks have said. Excessive bandwidth costs? The files on HiFi are mostly small in size but they add up if you have thousands each day being downloaded.
IS closed to new members. He should just charge a nominal fee.
I'm with ya. I'd pay.
I would pay too, with options like lifetime membership (I'm 68!) or a fixed amount for each download.. great resource.
Member for a long time and just logged in. Probably joined when I joined Audio Karma. Antique Radio Forums however I've been trying to join for two years. Finally heard a few others had the same problem so I gave up.
Thanks for sharing.
I'm still able to log in. Been a member about 6 or 7 years. I do usually get something from there about once a month. I had heard about this within the last year and made sure to just log in and grab something if I saw it randomly on the internet or for sale etc.
Thanks for the info. Glad to hear that you can still get in.
Thanks for all your great videos! I tried last night to sign up. This is the message it gives.
Sorry, but due to abuse of our free service, the registration system has been disabled.
While we work on a solution to this issue, the service remains open for existing members only. Hope it comes back to be available.
I tried to open an account about 2 months ago and got a message with words to the effect that they weren't taking new members at the moment. Lack of access to the manuals is the reason people can sell them on eBay. So making them unavailable benefits those sellers on eBay.
Just logged in just to check. No problem, downloaded that Kenwood SA-5002 SM, and logged out.
Almost 9 years, and it's still working for me.
But... in response to this video, I did go and whitelist the site in my adblocker. Ads are tastefully distributed and are not intrusive. I just didn't think about it until now.
I suggest others do the same if they haven't already. The ads are there to pay the bills and keep the lights on.
Now it also has me thinking that I should gather up any manuals I have to see if there are any contributions I can make to the database. I wouldn't know what to do if the site went away.
Thanks so much for sharing.
My experience with HFE was sketchy at best... but that was almost a decade ago. At that time, the other (Hungarian) site had far, far superior coverage of what I needed (native Japanese or, rarely, European models). And there was (and still is) no membership hassles.
Got to know about hifiengine from your channel. Tried but couldn't find files for vintage Brazilian audio from 70/80s - no surprise, even in Brazil it is almost impossible.
Have tried now (from your comments on login problems) and the message is this:
"Account Registration
Sorry, but registration is currently closed to new members.
Registered users can Log In as normal."
> it seems the case is exactly what you've described, easy money made on the work of others.
Greetings from the USA and thanks for sharing. It seems like a random mix of some people having login issues and others not. Some having issues after years of using hifi engine and others with no issues. It's hard to make out any kind of a pattern.
Audio Karma has a section with documents I have been told. But probably not as extensive as HiFi Engine
Thank you for sharing.
I can still log in. I would definitely do a membership fee for this. It’s a great site that is irreplaceable.
Thanks for sharing. I agree.
5 years 6 weeks on hifiengine i had roughly 2,5 on vinylengine until i couldn't login again, 1,5 year's on vinylengine since new account, thanks so much for all your advice, I was thinking of doing an electronics course, Any advice would be of great help please... thanks again for all you're interesting Vintage Audio advice 👍
Hello from Denmark
New in repair scene; did try a lot of times to create a account.
Always the same “registraton is closed at this time”.
The owner of HFE is providing a great service, -
I would like to be able to pay for downloadning a service manual.
And that would be very much OK - if the price is right.
If possible - extend my thanks and parise to this guy - if anybody knows who it is.
Thank you for yor Channel as well.
Dan Bay
Greetings for the USA. Thanks for watching and for the info.
good to go!! It really is a very nice site.
It really is!
"GETTING IN" vs. "DOWNLOADING": 6 year member but Infrequent user. Can login today, but canNOT download anything. Get "Sorry but this feature is currently unavailable." Then get "Sorry but you must be logged in to download files from the library." Would GLADLY pay fee for access!
I'm sorry to hear that. Everyone seems to have a different issue.
Idea, Thought? If everyone with manuals goes to the Bay and searches for the manuals that they have (that are copies being sold) and then post a listing to sell copies of that manual for 2cents plus postage (USPS) then we would undercut all the unethical copiers of manuals. Mind you, be honest about it and tell folk if they can get an original then they should pay good money for that.
Thats my 2cents. ??
i use it when i need it without a single problem.i'll remember not log in for almost a year thank god i wasn't cut out,is the place to go "when need it" to fix your vintage equipment that's what i do.i wouldn't ha e a problem if this would charge somethi g for it or a compliment fee as desire to keep this great service running for people liike us who download for repairing not for something else.
Been a member for more than a decade. Can't get the site to load today. Was just in the site a few weeks ago downloading a manual.
I'm a member for 6 1/2 years and login works without issues.
Thanks for sharing.
I think HiFi Engine "prefers" that you "contribute" and upload a service manual, owners manual, old advertizements, schematics or something, not already listed. Too many people using the site, are not contributing. Or like you said, copying the information, and selling it on eBay.
Everyone should be able to contribute something to the site, especially if they have been long time members. As they must have "something" to add to the site, if they are "really" are into collecting and restoring vintage HiFI components...
Joined hifi engine almost 3 years ago. I can still download.
Thanks for sharing.
After 12 years, it's still gratefully there for me.
Glad to hear it. Thanks for sharing.
I live in Iowa. And have been following and watching Vintage Audio Addicts videos for awhile. I sent a email after a repair video. Suggested HiFi engine wouldnt allow me to make an account. I also would love to find a repair tec in my area im in Dubuque. And have Ba, and Ca Sansui equipment.
Thanks for sharing. A lot of folks lately have had the same issue.
I hadn't used it for a few years, but was able to log on and have been using it a few times a month for the last year. I found the site won't let me log in if I have any sort of VPN enabled. Hope it gets sustained or passed on to somone who will sustain it
There are many sites that have manuals for free download.
I don't remember whether I ever joined HiFi Engine.
Maybe if I found some of my old paperwork I would find all my registartion and password info...
Please list the sites that you have found that have free manuals for vintage audio equipment. There are many here that would appreciate it.
I'm new to HiFi Engine and only joined last year...the only odd thing is that it forces me to remove the "full-stop" or "period" that's in my Gmail address...never been asked to do that when using my Gmail to login to any other website.
Also, it never had any literature for the old amp i was restoring - an Eagle International A4400, however it did have literature for the other old amps i'm restoring (NAD and Rotel).
I found the website really useful and will be sure to use again.
Maybe the owner should charge a small fee for downloading documents - or an annual subscription?
I can not register now.. I had before an old HiFiEngine account, but not even the "forgotten password" option was working.. 😢
Damn, sorry to hear that. As I said in the video I'm hoping the site doesn't disappear some day.
I have not checked yet, but I would assume that someone in the inter webs, has archived the manuals and other save-worthy stuff on the way back machine.
I can still get in although I rarely use it.
It's been closed for several years. Not sure when maybe 2-3+ years ago. I have to have someone else get my doc.. :(
I made an account many years ago and forgot about it until about 2 years ago. I was and am still able to log in even after years away.
Thanks for the info.
Before you posted this video, did you consider contacting Hifiengine to get his response to your issues?
Ill add parts are rapidly becoming unavailable. Most through hole parts have been discontinued for a few years now. Electrolytic caps are rapidly disappearing. Transistors as well. Digikey, Mouser, etc are becoming lists of obsolete parts. Soon, only Chinese companies will have unreliable parts with long wait times.
Personally, most repairs are fairly straight forward. If I have to pull out schematics it will likely cost more than its worth or Ill make very little on the repair. On newer audio gear, aka Class D, there is almost no schematics available.
The irony is prices are steadily going up on vintage gear but in a decade they will mostly be interesting paperweights.
Hello, do you have any experience with the Kenwood kr-9050 I recently acquired a one and the left aux input moves slightly and the output from the left speaker is not right what would be the best plan of action to replace this connection? Thank You.
I went to Analog Alley and got a Excellent quality Service manual for a Yamaha receiver. I couldn't find a complete one anyone where else and the price was cheap enough.
Thanks for sharing
Perhaps they can add voluntary contributions like wikipedia do. I have donated several times to wikipedia because it's such a good site.
I have tried to log in over the last couple years and I cannot. I thought I registered when I first used it, but maybe not. I know at least 5 years it has been like that. I have gotten turntable info from them in the past. I was able to get a couple manuals from an online manual site (audio service manuals?), but many are dangerous with viruses etc. Others charge a lot.
Sorry to hear about the login issues but thank you for sharing,
To be honest I never realized HiFi Engine existed, but I will attempt to join, have a few vintage pieces that need attention.
My account was disabled due to inactivity, I wish I would have known I would have signed in more often. Sometimes a year goes by that seemed like a few months LOL.
Sorry to hear that but thanks for sharing. Lots of folks having the same issue as you.
I signed up for HiFi Engine about 2.5 years ago. I am no longer able to sign in for access any service manuals. Really Sucks!
I'm sorry to hear that. It seems for some folks something changed, now they can't login. From the comments it's difficult to figure out what that something is.
Important details:
New registrations are disabled.
"inactive" accounts do get deleted. The limit is at least one year, not sure.
Downloads are limited per day or week, so you can't mass download.
Thanks for sharing. The burning question is..... why are new registrations disabled on hifi engine? I get the inactive accounts and the spam accounts that occur on any site being canned. Anyone who has run a site deals with inactive/spam and they deal with it.
Member over 10 years. I still can log in. I'm looking things up all the time. I would be lost with out all the info available there. I tend to not buy unless a service manual is available.
Thanks a lot for the info.
Was a member for 15 years before my log in was blocked. Now I cant get in. Tried setting up a new account but it wont allow me in.
Would be happy to pay an annual access fee but this is not set up.
But the frustration is in no comms from the site owner, no option to communicate with them or nothing. So have had to go to other sites for my needs
Sorry to hear that. I'm with you about paying for the documents.
@@vintageaudioaddict I just hope the owner is ok and able to take on some feedback and react to it. As you said he or she must have costs to run the site and ten bucks a year or something from all members would surely help
I've been a member for years. I suffered an injury so I haven't been working on equipment lately. I think it's probably been a little over a year since I've used the service and I cannot get into it I can't create a new account that's really sucks.
I'm sorry about that but thanks for sharing. Yes, it really does suck. hifi engine is such a great source of info for the vintage audio collector/repairer.
Question ........ i have a MARANTZ 2245 that I bot NEW in 1976......... It still works & sounds GREAT & the ilumination is still VERY GOOD.
Is the fact that I have rarely used this in the last 30 years the reason ? I would say it's been used less than 200 hrs & it's still in PRESTINE CONDITION!
It's great that your 2245 is still working well for you. The main issue for you are the old electrolytic capacitors that age even if your 2245 was never removed from it's original box. Anyways, there is a lot of information on the 2245 available on the internet and possible issues they may come up. Just google it......
@@vintageaudioaddict THANKS !! I really appreciate the info
Was an occasional user, but my old computer I used it with died a couple of years ago. As I can't remember my old login now and can't re-register, it's gone for me. :(
I'm sorry to hear that but thanks for sharing your experience.
Alright, whatever happened to "doping it out"? I'm pre-internet and was working on these when they were new. You could phone or write the company, put a check in the mail, and eventually have a service manual delivered. But what seems cheap today, wasn't then. So we didn't have the luxury of service manuals for most things. But since we were competent technicians, we could make our own schematic when needed by doping it out, meaning follow the connections and draw it. It's pretty easy when there were no inner traces on circuit boards, parts were marked, no integrated circuits with millions of things going on inside, just discreet components and later on some op amps starting maybe the eighties? And all the circuitry is pretty similar with the occasional innovation. So if we could do it back then, how is that an excuse today?
Thanks for sharing. In my case without a schematic I wouldn't attempt a repair but then again I'm a hobbyist, not a professional.
@@vintageaudioaddict
A man's gotta know his limitations!
I started very young fixing things, maybe five? Crazy, right? Before teenage the neighbors would bring me TVs to fix. Mostly that meant testing tubes at the drugstore and grabbing a replacement. Maybe an occasional solder joint. But I learned what sections did what and could pinpoint problems. I did a lot of reading and learned basic electricity and electronics. My orthodontist gave me s Heathkit AA100 I got working and used for years. I learned amplifier circuits both tube and transistor which made it easy to figure out what was going on. Then I started modifying stuff to improve sound quality. Then designing and building my own preamps and power amps. Between HS and college I worked in an audiophile store rebuilding customer units. I graduated an electrical engineer and went into circuit design, analog and digital. And switching power supplies. I built more audio stuff for myself over the years. Except that one summer job I've been only an amateur hobbyist all my life.
been a member for 5 years, hadn't logged in for awhile, was scared when you said some couldn't get back in, but it let me login in and reset my password and everything
Great news! I'm glad that you can still login.
I’ve been a hifi engine user for about 4 years and can still access it, but I can no longer log into vinyl engine.
Thanks a lot for sharing.
@@vintageaudioaddict Your videos have been a tremendous help. Thank you.
Member for 41 weeks and was able to log in just now.
Thanks for sharing.
By restricting new members it adds value to the manuals, and feeds the market for selling them. If they are freely available there would be no market to sell them in.
HiFi engine has no fee. The docs are freely available to people that can get logged in.
True, my point was following from where you said people might be obtaining manuals from hifi engine and selling them, so has access been restricted because of that. I think this could be counter productive as for new users it could mean Ebay is the only access and they would have to pay.
I'm still looking for a Technics V10 schematic. No, not the 8099 version. Not even hifi-engine has it.
They should charge $5 each per manual to ensure there's enough revenue to keep it going. Along with that, having the flexibility to pay using credit, debit, or PayPal.
This way, when the one guy is gone, someone else is more than glad to take over.
... And for those saying $5 is too much. Ask yourself what you're willing to spend now to restore your project.
I always go to Hi-Fi Engine usually every day just to look up info for vintage equipment. But every single time every day I try to register to become a member, it always say's " Registration is closed at this time. I've been trying forever. That's a shame because I would really like to contribute my comment's. Thanks
Thanks for the info.
12 year a memeber....I've been a member for just short of 12 years and I still can access the site1
Thank you for sharing.
They closed registrations on both HFE and VE due to spam, and people downloading the manuals to then sell / redistribute. The reality is you can't ever prevent this, and frankly it isn't worth worrying about - closing off such a community-driven resource was a bad move. It will probably end up being hidden behind a paywall
I would pay a fee for the service. It's only fair.
@@vintageaudioaddict What about the people that scanned and gave their documents to the community? So one guy can gatekeep them or make $ from them?