Sony = EEK!!!
As long as you stay away from the TC 3 series you should be ok.
I have heard a few horror stories about the TC 3 series. It is to do with the capacitors that are connected to the rectifier circuit. Apparently if these capacitors "dry out" they can get very hot to the point of catching fire. A few weeks ago i saw a machine that had suffered this fate and it had burnt a HUGE hole straight through the board and melted the insulation of the surrounding wires. Ever since seeing that i just completely stay away from any sony machine as a matter of precaution. Capacitors made from wax or similar material also should be replaced as they run the same risk especially in pre 1950 - 1960 model machines.
Hope this info helps
Keith
