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Tubed preamps and Power amps- How old is too old???

I am currently using a Conrad Johnson Premiere LS17 preamp. This preamp was well regarded when it came out a bit over 20 years ago and list price was over $4000. It has probably seen 8000-10,000 hours of play time. The tubes are all Amperex that test and work fine.

To my ears, it sounds great. That being said, at what point either due to wear of internal parts and/or improved design, is it worth replacing? There is no doubt that things on the digital side of things have move quickly with respect to innovation and implementation but what about preamps and power amps, especially tube ones?

Any members, replaced aging tubed preamps and power amps and found it worthwhile assuming you stayed at a similar quality level? If you wanted to upgrade from my preamp, what would you consider? Budget of $7500 max. For reference, I use digital sources and an R2R Dac and Quicksilver Mid Mono Power Amps into reasonably efficient speakers. No phono section required or wanted.

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jdougs's avatar
jdougs
186 posts
 

I have a pair of Luxman MB3045s from 1974 that still sound spectacular.  As mentioned, tubes and caps are really the only parts of concern.  Have it tuned up and brought back in spec and it may out last you.

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,126 posts
 

IMO after 15 years capacitors especially start drying out ,they may still work 

but you can loose well over 15-20% of its true fidelity

having been into modding for over 20 years i know 1st hand, and rebuild my own 

Loudspeaker Xovers since the vast majority from the factory use at best average quality ,they are never-concerned about the Absolute best unless you are spending 3-4 x the average per component .8 owned a Audio store for a decade so speak through experience.

marco1's avatar
marco1
518 posts
 

I’ve never owned Quicksilver but have heard them many times.  I think the CJ amps better them in both build and sound quality.  If you like the EL34 power tube look for a Premier 11xs with Teflon caps.  They’re very hard to find so you’ll have to be patient. They’re also only 30w so be sure they will work with your speakers.  Premier 12xs is another more powerful option. I owned them. Also hard to find.  Both will be an excellent match with your preamp.  If you can find either amp with Teflon caps it will mean they’ve been updated, probably in the last 10yrs (or less), and will give you many more years of service.  The Classic 60 that you mention would also be an excellent option and would begin to give you the more modern CJ sound.

tuberculin
81 posts
 

I've owned a CJ PV6 for 40 years. It has been in constant service. The CJ tech replaced/upgraded the caps to their new type in 2017. I played it 8-12 hours a day since it returned having been blessed by CJ. I just have had to replace the tubes. It sounds great and I would put it up against any modern unit that is comparable.

pickindoug
54 posts
 

I have tube amps from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 90s, plus a Had Inspire KT88 just for fun, and tube preamps from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 90s.  They each have been restored to daily driver status, some with upgrades to the original intent, but I haven't heard anything in modern tube gear (within a budget of $4-5k) that compels me to replace them.  I'm sure there's something marginally better out there, but probably not at a price I'm willing to pay.  

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