2. misc-audio
  3. 142546-124043

Some components too old now?

I have a traditional HiFi. Some bits are really old, but still working fine and I wouldn’t have a clue about updating even if I wanted to. Just wondering how long I can expect them to last, and whether I should pro-actively seek to update before there’s a catastrophic failure.
In particular, my CD player, pre-amp and DAC date back to around 1990, so these are about 30 years old now:
Marantz CD80 / Aragon 24k (with phono stage that I use) / Aragon D2A
Thoughts?
vinyloid
vinyloid's avatar
vinyloid OP
18 posts
 
Ha! Nice one @danvignau 
I’m with you. The focus is on whether I should update my Aragon D2A DAC cos it’s 28 years old, and it’s the one digital component I have and so the one that should benefit most from an update. I’ve been a sucker for Aragon ever since I heard a 4004 power amp in 1990. Bought it and loved it for 27 years, and that lead me into the 24k pre-amp with phono stage (love my vinyl) and the D2A DAC to accompany the Marantz CD80 used as transport.
So far the jury is still out. The Aragon DAC has a separate power supply and is still very highly regarded it seems. Not sure I want to risk swapping it for a soul-less new box of silicon chips.
jouri_knegt's avatar
jouri_knegt
39 posts
 
@vinyloid
Stick to your current dac. There is always something better out there. But you have avoided the merry-go-round for a really long time. Keep doing it!

I myself am a CD nut as well. I get so much joy buying new and 2nd hand. Totally great. I advise you to focus on the music, not upgrading. Because if you bought that Schiit, why stop there? Why not buy something even better? Of buy a better CD transport!  Not to mention synergy problems....

Don’t get suckered in



4krow
80 posts
 
I am really all for getting older equipment that sounds good, BUT no matter how you slice it, wherever there are electrolytic capacitors, their days are numbered. Mostly, at the 20+ year mark, they may not be living up to their specifications. Maybe only a little bit down, maybe more. There isn't any way around it. Fortunately, most capacitors are relatively inexpensive, and the newer ones have better /tighter specifications as well. Sometimes, I replace the old RCA connectors too. This is much like finding a classic car. Don't screw it up, but do maintain it with maybe new shocks, plugs, etc. to get it performing to at least as good as new.
vinyloid's avatar
vinyloid OP
18 posts
 
Good advice 4krow. I need to find someone to replace the caps on my Aragon pre-amp and power supply for the Aragon DAC - unless I learn how to do it myself. Will probably try to do it myself as my kit is far too heavy to go lugging around and I’m loathed to trust anyone else with it...
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