NEW REPAIR POLICY 5/24/23


Some XDR-F1HDs still in use are nearing 15 years of service.  I'm seeing a big increase lately in requests for problem diagnosis and repair of failed tuners as they age.  


Most common problems will be fixed by doing the Level 1 Essentials.  After that's done, the tuner should have a substantially extended service life.  So going forward, the Level 1 Essentials Package is the minimum repair procedure.  The Level 1 Essential Refurbishment price of $195 includes a 60 day "Fix It or Replace It" warranty on the entire tuner, and Priority insured return shipping to you.


I don't charge for problem diagnosis.  If I find something else going on during problem diagnosis that won't be fixed by the Level 1 Essentials Package, I'll contact you and discuss the options. For example a replacement HD Module costs $100 above and beyond the L1 Pkg - maybe that's just too much.  In that case if you just want the tuner back, return shipping costs $20.  If you want out of the tuner, I might offer to buy it from you to use as a parts donor.  There's no pressure either way - it's up to you.  I'll always tell you straight-up what's wrong and what your options are.

Scroll to bottom for information on repairs.

Text & Images Copyright © 2016-2024 XDRGuy LLC. All rights reserved.​

NOTE: I am currently not accepting new requests for mods because the "wait list" goes out at least six months, probably longer.  Thank you for your interest though.


​​​​​"Level 1" Essential Refurbishment Package


Extend the tuner's service life

Improve its audio quality


  • Install a premium QUIET cooling fan.
  • Upgrade all aluminum electrolytic capacitors in the power supply, main board, and tuner/DSP Module with higher-quality 105℃ rated parts*.
  • Recalibrate the +8.5V voltage regulator circuit.
  • Replace the display backlight LEDs so the display is bright and sharp again.
  • Replace all tactile pushbutton switches.
  • Install Sony mods to the audio jacks if not already present (will usually be needed if serial number starts with “8”).
  • Align FM section for best sensitivity and confirm it’s well within the right ballpark.
  • Install audio fidelity improvements for flatter frequency response, reduced distortion, and improved headroom.
  • Replace IC 906, 1.8V Precision Low Noise Voltage Regulator (as IC 906 ages it has a very high failure rate).
  • Improve the stability of the unregulated +10.5V power supply rail by replacing the standard silicon rectifier diode with a Schottky diode.

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The Level 1 Essential Refurbishment Package is $195 including Priority insured return shipping to a US address and a 60-day "Fix It or Replace It" warranty on the entire tuner.


Optional Additional Upgrades to the Essential Package:


  1. Add a second premium QUIET cooling fan. $25. Strongly recommended, doubles warranty from 60 days to 120 days.
  2. Install a Forced Analog switch so you can listen to a station's HD1 in analog mode if desired (requires drilling a 1/4" hole in rear panel for the switch). $20
  3. Replace the factory audio jacks with new gold Switchcraft jacks. $20
  4. Install a 7.5 Farad "Super Capacitor" to provide backup power for station presets and clock time. $20
  5. Modify the display backlighting to auto-dim when the tuner is shut off.  Also enhances the variation between the HIGH-MED-LOW brightness settings.  $20


Discounted Package Pricing for the Level 1 Essentials + all listed optional upgrades: $275.


​​*3 capacitors are long-life 85℃ rated part due to availability.


​​Photos below are examples of my work.