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Buy a $40,000 10 year old amp for $4,000 or new amp for same money?

Hi. There are bargains to be had on really high-end components that are more than a few years old. DACs change too much and we need the newer technology. How about amps and pre-amps? I know it can depend on the specific amp but in general is a 10 year old amp that was $40,000 in 2009 and now sell for $4,000 a better value than a new amp that sells for $4,000 in 2019?  How much has amplification evolved in the past decade or so? (I posted a similar questions about speakers in that forum). Thanks for all the input and wisdom. 
mcmanus
lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
342 posts
 
I bought a pair of McIntosh MC501 mono block amps 10 years ago for 6K, can sell them for more than that today.  

Care to compare Class D amps from 10 years ago and their resale price today?

Quality will always trump the newest thing.
aberyclark
1,361 posts
 
I think the gist of the Op’s Question was wondering if a super high priced 10 year old amp that is now more affordable a better option than a current new amp at the 10 year old’s current used price. I would say it depends on the amp and condition. Would internals need to be replaced ( caps, etc)? Plus, how old was the design when the amp was sold 10 years ago.

many would argue that current MC275’s are a pale comparison to earlier generations. 
spinaker01
491 posts
 
Who IS this guy? Asks the same question all over the place.
luxmancl38
580 posts
 
My local dealer has a pair of Eggleston Works Andre Speakers for $2499. Original price $14999. Also a pair of Sonic Frontiers Power 3 Mono Amps/a box of extra matching tubes $4500 original price $12000. Both items in excellent shape. 
petg60
1,486 posts
 
Hi,
@luxmancl38
as we discuss about amplifiers this is 38% compared to original price for a model made back in 1999 (22+ years) and not 10%. As i recall its srp was $9,999 and not $12,000 which raises the percentage to 45% (logical).
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