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Older Electronics - When to cut bait? Your thoughts?

Hi - I am looking for your collective insight and advice.  I have a Conrad Johnson PFR preamp and MF2250 amp from the early 2000's.  Ironically, I purchased them because of their CJ tube sound AND yet they were more "maintenance free solid state" vs tubes.  Well, here I am approximately 20 years later and I repaired my PFR preamp for approx. $600 two years ago and my MF2250 just went out.

My question is, at what point is it prudent to cut bait and give up on older electronics before they become a money pit?  In the back of my mind I wonder when the PFR will go out again with some other problem and I am looking at another $600 repair.....by then I would be in it for $1,200 of repairs and that is a good chunk towards a newer model.....PrimaLuna for instance.  I am now very fine with tubes as it seems easier and less costly to replace tubes and I really a warm full sound.

For context, I love(!) the sound of the two units although I expect the same, if not better, can be had for a few grand each with lower risk of repair in the next 15+ years... Again, like a PrimaLuna.

Lastly, I know there is not a hard and fast rule here and the answer is subjectively unique for everyone although, I expect some of you have been down this road before so I would love to get your thought process and logic.  Your personal experiences can help inform my thinking as I ponder what to do.

THANK YOU!  Dave

For added context, although I am not sure it matters, I have:
-JanZen Valentia speakers
-McIntosh CD player, MCD205
-Linn LP12 will just about all the upgrades....money pit here:)
-PS Audio DirectStream DAC
-Moon Audio, Silver Dragon interconnects
-Whatever speaker cables....someday will get something else
butterman
batman1971
96 posts
 
Sounds like you want a primaluna.  Have you heard their products?    I’ve rebuilt several.    They are better than Jolida but not by much.   Would look at higher end tube amps used.     Then cj amp u have is way past it’s prime.    I’m sure it can be gone thru and recapped but you won’t be amazed as much as you seem to like the prima Luna would walk that path towards tubes but would go for heavy power supplies and chassis.       Having repaired tons of jolida and more than a handful on pl gear I would want to take apart the pl amp and see how thick the chassis is.   Tubes get hot and thin cheap metal bends 
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Fix it and sell it. The very best equipment should be good for 20-25 years. Cold equipment generally lasts longer than hot equipment. All other things being equal an AB amp will last longer than an A amp. But a very well constructed A amp may last a very long time. In line level stuff it is usually switches and pots that go first. As far as performance and durability go, technology moves on very fast. If you have the financial capability, redoing a system is a lot of fun and given the advances in digital technology one might approach the problem differently.  
My own dictum is once a piece blows it is time to move on. 
butterman OP
10 posts
 
This is great insight especially when balancing the cost return equation for an audio purchase.  Think about it.  An amp or preamp costing $20k++ is really only good for 20sh years!  Hmmm, now even if I could afford a $20k unit I would think twice about the enjoyment return I would get over that period for the price.  I have always thought without moving parts they would last forever but I guess not.  

I will also no longer leave my equipment on.  I figured I would skip warm-up by doing so but apparently I am shortening the life.....rrrr, wish I could go back in time.  Does that also apply to class D amps?  I have a kitchen in ceiling system with class D dual mono amps that are always on via Sonos.  Am I shortening their life?

Yes, rebuilding a system is fun but costly and as many of you know the wife factor comes in.  I fee luck to have the system I have already given that.  Thx
 
ebm
9,311 posts
 
I just cut bait WOW!!!
timlub
2,041 posts
 
I've been in or around this system for 40 years.... Some old systems are as satisfying as the best today.  
I have extensive knowledge in speaker building and through this forum, I found that my knowledge of amp/pre's is lacking as far as design and circuit design.  I decided to learn.  Over the last year to 18 months,  I have purchased old amps, some not working,  a classic or two that did work that I thought that I'd rebuild.  
After a refurbish with quality parts,  these amps across the board are excellent. The last 2 that I rebuilt,  I'll probably sell here on Agon, but they will stand up to today's products and I have no doubt will live for a Long Long Time. Your gear is nice sounding stuff.... Look around on this forum,  you'll read a hundred times if not a thousand
 "I wish that I never sold it".   If the itch is there to replace it... So be it,  I'm not telling you to keep it no matter what,  I am saying that well designed gear of yesteryear,  properly refurbished can be VERY satisfying gear and what a shame to just dismiss how good it is because of the latest and greatest,  which isn't always better. 
I hope this helps, Tim 
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