Repairs

Yes. If you approve the repair estimate and move forward, the inspection fee is applied toward the repair.

If the item is not repairable, parts are unavailable, or you choose not to move forward with the repair estimate, the inspection fee covers the inspection/evaluation time and is not refunded.

It usually takes up to 8–9 weeks to complete the inspection process.

We work through repairs in the order they are received, and there are often many customer units already in the repair queue. Vintage electronics also require careful evaluation, safe testing, and sometimes parts research before we can provide an accurate next step.

If you need your item inspected sooner, we offer expedited inspection options:

• $100 – Immediate inspection
• $50 – Inspection completed within 5 business days

SpenCertified

Repairs

456 E Juanita Ave

Suite 8

Mesa, AZ 85204

Customers are responsible for safely packing items shipped to us. We are not responsible for damage caused by poor inbound packaging or damage that occurs during inbound shipping.

If an item arrives damaged, we will document the condition and notify you. Depending on the severity of the damage, the item may not be repairable or may require additional work beyond the original issue described.

The inspection fee is non-refundable once the item has been submitted for service, even if the item arrives damaged, is not repairable, parts are unavailable, or you choose not to move forward with the repair estimate.

If you are mailing in a repair, please pack the item carefully and include your 5-digit order number inside the box.

We recommend using a strong box, plenty of padding on all sides, and avoiding loose space inside the package. Vintage electronics are heavy and fragile, and poor packing can cause serious damage during shipping.

Customers are responsible for safely packing items shipped to us. We are not responsible for damage caused by poor inbound packaging.

Some vintage electronics require parts that are difficult to find or no longer made. If the required parts are unavailable, we may look for workarounds, substitute parts, donor parts, or other options when appropriate. However, some items may not be repairable if the necessary parts cannot be sourced.

We repair many different types of electronics. We mainly work on vintage audio video gear. This includes but is not limited to, VCRs, DVD players, CD players, Laserdisc, Cassette Decks, Beta, Reel-to-Reel, 8 Track, Turntables, Blu-ray, Amplifiers, Speakers, and much more. There are some items that we do not accept or require additional fees. Please contact us if you are not sure.

We specialize in vintage audio and video electronics. While we work on many brands and models, not every unit is serviceable due to parts availability, condition, or prior repairs. An inspection is required before we can confirm serviceability.

After the inspection is completed, we will contact you with the next step.

Depending on the item and what we find, your repair may fall into one of several categories:

• The item may be repairable with a clear estimate
• The item may need additional diagnostic time before we can provide a final repair quote
• The item may need parts that are difficult to find or no longer available
• The item may not be practical or cost-effective to repair

We will not move forward with major additional work without your approval.

No. The inspection fee covers the evaluation and diagnostic time only. It does not guarantee that the item can be repaired.

Some items may not be repairable due to unavailable parts, severe damage, previous repair attempts, missing components, or repair costs that exceed the practical value of the item.

If the item is repairable, we will provide the next step, quote, or estimate before moving forward with additional work.

No. Vintage electronics repairs are not always straightforward, and some repairs may require multiple stages.

In some cases, we can identify a clear issue and provide a straightforward repair estimate. In other cases, one problem must be addressed first before we can determine whether there are additional issues.

Because many vintage electronics are decades old, they may have multiple failures, intermittent problems, previous repair attempts, unavailable parts, or hidden issues that only appear after initial repairs or additional testing.

We will do our best to explain the situation clearly and get approval before moving forward with major additional work. However, an approved repair or diagnostic step does not guarantee that the item will be fully repairable or that no additional issues will be found afterward.

Yes. When contacting us about your repair, please include your 5-digit order number so we can look it up quickly.

You can contact us by:

• Texting us at 480-207-1511
• Emailing us
• Using our message form

If your item is still within the standard inspection window, we may not have a new update yet. We work through repairs in the order they are received and will contact you once your item has been inspected or once we have a meaningful update.

Repeated status requests do not speed up the inspection or repair process.

Yes. Repairs are covered by a limited warranty on the specific service performed. Warranty details will be provided upon completion of the repair.

Yes, but prior repairs, modifications, or missing parts may affect serviceability and cost. These factors will be evaluated during inspection.

Return shipping is billed separately unless otherwise stated. We will confirm shipping options and costs before returning your item.

Bose Wave Radio Repair FAQ

What is the typical repair cost for a Bose Wave Radio?

Most Bose Wave Radio repairs start at around $220 minimum.

The most common repair is capacitor-related. If the unit has power issues, sound issues, loading issues, or intermittent operation, failing or leaking capacitors are often the cause.

Does the $220 capacitor repair usually fix the radio?

In our experience, capacitor work fixes about 50% of Bose Wave Radios.

However, capacitor work does not guarantee the radio will be fully repaired. In some cases, the capacitor work must be done first before we can properly test the system and determine whether there are additional problems.

Can the board be beyond repair?

Yes. Some Bose Wave Radios have capacitor leakage that damages the circuit board, traces, or surrounding components.

Sometimes we cannot fully know whether the board is repairable until after the capacitor work has started. If the board is too damaged, the radio may be beyond repair even after initial work has been performed.

What if the Bose Wave Radio needs a new laser?

If the CD laser needs to be replaced, the repair is typically over $400.

Laser replacement is more expensive because of the parts cost, labor involved, and testing required afterward.

Can the screw threading break during repair?

Yes. Bose Wave Radios use plastic threading for the screws that hold the top cover in place. As the plastic ages, it becomes brittle.

In our experience, about 20% of Bose Wave Radios have screw threading that breaks or fails during disassembly or reassembly. When this happens, the top cover may no longer hold in place properly.

Is SpenCertified responsible if the screw threading breaks?

No. We make every effort to handle each radio carefully, but brittle plastic threading is a known age-related issue with Bose Wave Radios.

SpenCertified is not responsible if the original plastic screw threading breaks during the repair process or if the top cover no longer holds properly afterward.

Do you guarantee every Bose Wave Radio can be repaired?

No. Bose Wave Radios are aging systems and may have capacitor leakage, board damage, worn CD mechanisms, laser failure, brittle plastic, or other issues.

We will inspect the unit and communicate our findings clearly, but not every Bose Wave Radio is repairable.

Do you accept large items for repair?

Sometimes, but large items are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Due to limited shop space, we may not be able to accept items larger than 25" x 20" x 15".

What happens if my item is larger than 25" x 20" x 15"?

If your item is larger than 25" x 20" x 15", there is a good chance we will not be able to accept it for repair.

Large items take up significantly more storage space, are harder to move safely, and can slow down the repair workflow for other customers.

What types of items are most likely to be affected?

This may apply to larger items such as:

• Large floor speakers
• Oversized subwoofers
• Large console units
• Big reel-to-reel systems
• Oversized receivers or amplifiers
• Large TV or video equipment
• Heavy or unusually shaped equipment

Can I still ask before bringing in a large item?

Yes. If your item is close to or larger than 25" x 20" x 15", please contact us before bringing it in or shipping it.

We may ask for the model number, photos, measurements, and a description of the issue before deciding whether we can accept it.

Why do you limit large repairs?

Large repairs require more storage space, handling time, and workspace. Since our repair space is limited, accepting too many oversized items can slow down the entire repair process.

To keep repairs moving efficiently, we may decline oversized items even if they are technically repairable.

Do you make exceptions?

Sometimes. We may make exceptions for certain high-value, rare, or practical repairs.

However, size, weight, available space, parts availability, and repair difficulty all affect whether we can accept the item.

Do you offer speaker refoaming?

Yes. We offer speaker refoaming for speakers with deteriorated foam surrounds.

This is common on older speakers where the original foam has dried out, cracked, or fallen apart.

Do you offer speaker reconing?

No. We do not offer speaker reconing.

If the speaker needs a full recone, voice coil replacement, or major driver rebuilding, we may not be able to repair it.

How much does speaker refoaming cost?

Speaker refoaming pricing depends on the size of the speaker and the work required.

Typical pricing:

• 5-inch speaker: around $125
• 12-inch speaker: around $170

Larger, unusual, or more difficult speakers may cost more.

Does refoaming guarantee the speaker will be repaired?

No. Refoaming does not guarantee that the speaker will be fully repaired.

In many cases, replacing the foam surround restores the speaker and solves the issue. However, if the speaker was continued to be used after the foam had deteriorated, the cone or voice coil may have been damaged or loosened.

When this happens, the speaker may still sound distorted, rattly, or blown even after the foam is replaced.

Can you tell before refoaming if the speaker has other damage?

Sometimes, but not always.

Usually, deteriorated foam is the main issue. However, in some cases, the foam needs to be replaced before we can fully test the speaker and know for sure whether there are additional problems.

If the speaker has cone damage, voice coil rub, or other internal damage, refoaming may not fully solve the issue.

What if my speaker sounds blown?

If the speaker sounds blown, the issue may be more than just foam deterioration.

Possible causes include:

• Damaged voice coil
• Loose cone
• Cone damage
• Spider damage
• Magnet or alignment issues
• Crossover problems
• Damage from being used after the foam failed

We will inspect the speaker and let you know what we find, but some issues may only become clear after refoaming or additional testing.

Do you repair speaker crossovers?

Yes. Speaker crossover work usually starts at around $200.

Crossover issues can cause weak sound, missing highs, missing lows, distortion, imbalance between speakers, or no sound from certain drivers.

Do you guarantee every speaker can be repaired?

No. Some speakers are not practical to repair due to driver damage, unavailable parts, cabinet damage, crossover failure, or previous use after the foam deteriorated.

We will inspect the speaker and communicate our findings clearly, but not every speaker is repairable.

Do you repair subwoofers?

Yes. We repair some subwoofers, but subwoofer repairs are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Subwoofers can have issues with the speaker driver, foam surround, amplifier board, power supply, controls, input jacks, or cabinet. Some are practical to repair, while others are not worth repairing due to parts cost, damage, or overall value.

What are the most common subwoofer problems?

Common subwoofer issues include:

• No power
• No sound
• Humming or buzzing
• Distorted bass
• Weak output
• Popping sounds
• Blown speaker driver
• Deteriorated foam surround
• Bad amplifier board
• Bad power supply
• Loose input jacks or controls

Some problems are simple. Others require deeper inspection before we can know whether repair is practical.

Do you repair powered subwoofers?

Yes, we inspect and repair some powered subwoofers.

Powered subwoofers have built-in amplifier boards, which can fail from age, heat, bad capacitors, power supply issues, or damaged components.

However, not every powered subwoofer is worth repairing. If the amplifier board is badly damaged or parts are unavailable, repair may not be practical.

Do you offer subwoofer refoaming?

Yes. If the subwoofer only has a deteriorated foam surround, refoaming may be possible.

However, refoaming does not guarantee that the subwoofer will be fully repaired. If the subwoofer continued to be used after the foam deteriorated, the cone, voice coil, spider, or driver may have been damaged.

Usually this is not an issue, but sometimes the foam needs to be replaced before we can fully test the subwoofer and know for sure.

Do you offer subwoofer reconing?

No. We do not offer subwoofer reconing.

If the subwoofer needs a full recone, voice coil replacement, or major driver rebuilding, we may not be able to repair it.

Can a subwoofer still sound blown after refoaming?

Yes. If the driver was damaged before the foam was replaced, the subwoofer may still sound distorted, rattly, or blown after refoaming.

This can happen if the subwoofer was used while the foam surround was already deteriorated. When that happens, the cone may move incorrectly and damage the voice coil or other internal parts.

Can amplifier repair reveal other issues?

Yes. With powered subwoofers, the amplifier or power supply issue may need to be repaired first before the subwoofer can be fully tested.

After the amplifier is working again, additional problems may become noticeable, such as a damaged driver, rattling cabinet, weak output, or distortion.

Repairing one issue does not guarantee that there are no other problems.

Do you accept large subwoofers?

Large subwoofers are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Due to limited shop space, we may not be able to accept items larger than 25" x 20" x 15". If your subwoofer is large or heavy, please contact us before bringing it in or shipping it.

Do you guarantee every subwoofer can be repaired?

No. Some subwoofers are not practical to repair due to driver damage, amplifier board damage, unavailable parts, cabinet issues, size, weight, or overall value.

We will inspect the subwoofer and communicate our findings clearly, but not every subwoofer is repairable or worth repairing.