Yes, it is cheaper to repair with Sony, but I don't know if they will take my Modwright Sony SCD-777ES w/ tube output stage in if I need a laser replacement. Plus having to ship external PSU to go along with it and having them throw it away might not be a good idea. I luck out of having a local master technician who can repair highend gears who live just 10 mins away. No more shipping gears to upgrade and repairs!