Dr Hi Fi

Robin fixed my problem amplifier without even seeing it. After I replacing a blown fuse on one channel I discovered a 'nasty hum'. I described 'symptoms' to him that didn't make sense in his mind. He recommended I disconnect everything and start again. Voila!
No noise, all fixed.
How many guys do you know that can do that?
Thanks Robin. When I really do have a problem, I'll be back.

I sent my Sansui 661 Receiver to Robin a while back (Dec 22) and after it was repaired, I passed it on to my mate and never got to truly appreciate what Robin helped me achieve. Today I am sitting here with the 661 and I truly appreciated what Robin had done for the receiver. Thank you for letting me hear what this little lovely receiver should really sound like.

Robin is a true professional that you do not find nowadays. The entire process is very detail and there are request that Robin has laid out so to ensure the customer knows what they are signing up for.

Robin also wrote a very detail report on what work he did on the receiver, it laid out what was wrong, what was changed, upgraded, things that had been done to make the receiver sound better. The impressive report was half a page long, not those one liners you get from modern day receipts. I appreciate that because it just validates to me that Robin is a master of the trade and he delivers the trade in an old school, passionate manner.

The cost of servicing the receiver is not cheap but this is all explained in detail on his website. Furthermore the finish product just instantly validates the cost. I do not think I will trust anyone with my vintage stuff other than Robin.

If you have something you love and cherish that needs fixing, I recommend you speak to Robin about it. I have fell in love with my 661 again and I cherish it more than ever before. Thanks Robin for helping me out, I will remember the experience every time I turn the receiver on.

A wonderful experience re-discovering Dr. Hi Fi after almost 40 years.

Back in 1984, when his shop was in Paddington, Robin encouraged me to buy a second hand system he was selling: A Luxman L-4 Amplifier and T-4 Tuner and a Systemdek turntable. I decided to take his advice and 39 years later they're still the heart of my system.

Although I've never had any trouble with any of the components, after getting a very second rate service on the Systemdek, I decided to look for a technician who knew what they were doing.

I had no idea where to start and after scrolling through the usual Google results for "Audio repairs", "Hi Fi repairs" and so on, I decided, just for fun, to search for "Dr. Hi Fi. "

What a wonderful surprise! After all these years, Robin is still in business.

I've just had my equipment serviced and reconditioned and the transformation has been remarkable. The wonderful equipment I bought all those years ago is now back to performing brilliantly.

What more can I say? Robin didn't lead me astray 40 years ago when he sold me the equipment and he didn't let me down when it came to servicing it.

"Dr. " Robin is a no-nonsense expert who is passionate about quality audio. I highly, highly recommend him.

Robin met and exceeded all of my expectations when I put my Harmon Kardon amp in for a much needed service and repair. Although this is my first encounter with dr hi fi, I can tell he is an absolute expert in his field by the way he communicates and conducts his business operations. Looking at other reviews as well I can see this is a view shared by most if not all of his customers. Thank you for your services!

I’d love to provide comment on Robin’s abilities- but unfortunately I wasn’t able to. He took my Marantz amp- literally opened the box, said it was all to hard then gave it back to me. He did nothing other than looking inside the box he still charged me $160- claiming that the amp had been partially repaired by someone else. While this was true, I took the amp to Jamie at Alltechs Electronics and what was apparently insurmountable for Robin was fixed by Jamie for $260… not that much more than Robins assessment fee. I’m sure Robin is very good at his job- but being told that a job is ‘too difficult’ but then being told by someone else that it was an easy fix is infuriating as a customer.
For that reason I’d strongly recommend Jamie at Alltechs over Dr Hifi. I’ve taken another amp to him since and can’t recommend him enough- plus he has an actual office which makes things much easier. And to top it off he’s honest and an absolute pleasure to deal with. I enjoyed chatting to Robin, but after my experience I definitely can’t recommend him.

Edit: Replying to Robin’s reply:

This was invoice #41483. Go and look it up. There was absolutely no corrosion- and absolutely no fire. No replacement boards were needed. Either you’re lying or you have an incredibly bad memory. Either way read your own notes on the invoice. You never discussed any other repair options with me- in fact you were in a rush to leave when I picked up the amp saying that a friend had passed away and you were very upset.

When it was repaired by Jamie at Alltechs he replaced a single transistor- then tuned the amp and now it operates perfectly.

I’m still extremely disappointed that you charged me $160 to look in the box and to do absolutely nothing. You offered a refund- so yes that would be appropriate. Please contact me via the details on invoice #41483 and we’ll arrange the refund. If not I’m happy to meet in person to discuss this further.

Excellent job refurbishing my Pioneer tape deck, which had slightly seized up after a couple of years without use.

And then a year later did some thorough investigative work on my Rega RP6 turntable, which had an unusual graunchy noise on start-up.

He knows his stuff.

Dr Hifi - a great name! The service was equally great - clear, precise, effective. All done quickly and kindly.

Robin brought my Thorens back to tip top condition and provided expert advice on my Nakamichi Dragon.
You don’t need to go anywhere else for reasonably priced expert attention to your HI FI needs

Robin is very thorough and his knowledge of all things HiFi. I have loved my 1970’s Luxman507x Amplifier so I took it to Robin and it’s back to it’s original glorious sound. I would recommend Dr HiFi without hesitation.

Passionate & capable. Robin knows his trade like no one I’ve ever met. I would recommend Robin without question.

I recently purchased a vintage Denon turntable from the early 80’s, a particular model I had been searching for a considerable time. The seller demonstrated it to me but when tried to use it at home for the first time the tonearm had seized and any record playback was not possible. The unit is solid, weighing in around 9kg and in outstanding condition for its age. Needless to say I was more than disappointed.

As an amateur enthusiast of all things vintage hi-fi I was aware of Dr Hi Fi but I had not until this purchase needed to reach out for help.

From my very first contact with Robin I was impressed. He tried with me to diagnose the fault prior to our additional meet up. I felt reassured when Robin confirmed he was familiar with my model and he (as was I) was puzzled by the nature of this fault from such a piece of equipment.

In short, Robin successfully rebuilt the tonearm bearing and carried out a thorough service of the turntable. I collected it at the weekend and to say that I am thoroughly delighted with Robin’s work would be an understatement. A consummate craftsman of his trade.

I have additional components which I will now have Robin service for me. Feeling very lucky to have found you Robin.

With best regards. Steven L Sydney Sth.

7 March 2022

Dr Hi Fi thankfully took on the task of repairing my much loved 40 year old Marantz amp which is part of a complete Marantz system. The repairs needed turned out to be much more than expected and the Doctor did a masterful job at a very reasonable price.

Many parts needed to be replaced including power supply, transistors, integrated circuits, globes, etc. Many dry joints needed soldering and one of the new driver integrated circuits supplied caused quite a headache as it was faulty!

All in all this repair went above and beyond and the amp is now working better than ever. Thanks Dr Hi Fi. I would certainly recommend your services.

Richard Herne

Excellent job refurbishing my Pioneer tape deck, which had slightly seized up after a couple of years without use.

I had a similar kind of experience as other one star ratings. You may have an uncomfortable experience trying to get this business to help you. There are other well reviewed repairers in the area, I'd recommend trying elsewhere first if you do not enjoy what seems to be condescending conversations.

Robin AKA Dr. Hi Fi should be applauded for unsurpassable attention to detail. Completely honest and dedicated. Robin fixed my Rotel amplifier very quickly and efficiently. He explained in great detail the cause of issues and what remedy he provided. He really knows his stuff. AAAA+.

Dr Hi Fi gave me detailed advice by email (regarding the problem I had with Denon audio equipment) and my husband was able to resolve the issue. It was fantastic that Dr Hi Fi supplied the info promptly, willingly, and freely! Amazing - thank you!

I am moved to write this review as rarely does one encounter artisanship and genuine curiosity and passion combined so thoroughly as one does when dealing with the good doctor hi fi.
I had a peculiar issue with a Technics turntable of some vintage. A great quality piece with an arm which would not play an entire album. Robin's response to me was swift and surprising: he was "utterly fascinated" by the problem before him. In that instant I knew I was in the right hands. Here was someone who was genuinely interested in, and loved, what they did.
The problem was resolved swiftly and with great ingenuity and i was thrilled with the result. Another issue arose recently as I strove to get the most out of my sound system and in this case Robin's deductive skills were employed methodically and expertly, punctuated by expressions of surprise and delight with each new discovery. Problem solved and my system works a dream.
I have found Robin to be a trustworthy, honest and genuinely interested expert of the highest calibre. I cannot recommend him highly enough and only wish there were more like him.

Robin has fixed my stereo equipment for over 30 years. Great customer service, expertise and passion.

Exceptional!
I had a small but annoying issue with my recently purchased Sansui AU-555, which is now about 50 years old and deserves the category vintage with all pride possible. After a couple of emails, to identify the issue, I handed the beloved amp over to Robin and got him back in only seven days. All is fixed now, and the amp sounds just fantastic. Replacing a number of transistors has really improved the performance, and the sound is even warmer, richer and more natural. Listen to Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers has never been more enjoyable.
Robin offers a highly specialised, professional service, so don’t think it comes cheap, but I did my research beforehand, and I think the price structure is very reasonable. You definitely get the best possible value for your money.
Thanks, Robin and it is always great to meet people, to work with real passion.

Christian Zentner (December 2020)

A self-righteous electronic engineer, not recommended.
Everything I said on email is true, if he don't believe it because "English is not your first language" and "this makes no sense". It just so childish.

Gave me excellent advice over the phone that saved my expensive vintage vinyl player. Then later on gave me great direction on where to purchase the right parts and audio equipment to get things sounding good and working properly.

Sought out similar advice all over Sydney to no avail. Cannot recommend Dr Hi Fi enough! A 1-stop shop!