I hear you.?
I spoke with Ken and several of the other techs listed on the SAE forum recommended list before I opted to try him.? Biggest reason was I could deliver my equipment and meet him in person (it's a 2hr drive for me) versus shipping across the country and taking chances with FedEx or UPS.? And on the two pieces I did receive back (2400L, 1800EQ) he did a very nice job.? Chalk it up to a learning experience, I guess.?
I originally wanted to use Mark Wilson at Absolute Sound Labs, but he stopped working on the big amps (2400 and above.)? Who have you worked with?