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Power Amplifier Longevity

Hi All, 
I am venturing into the separate component world and was wondering how long a good power amp typically lasts.  I may have access to some older Lexicon CX and LX series amplifiers.  However, since they are discontinued and nearly 20 years old from what I understand, should I be concerned with how much longer they will last?  If they do need servicing, is this something that is available at a reasonable cost?  Or should I invest in newer equipment?

Budget is a concern for me which is why I am interested in these older (higher quality) amps at a reduced price versus spending the same amount on something newer, but lower quality.

At this time, I have a Marantz AV8802A and Vienna Acoustics speakers. 
Main L/R - Mozart Grand
Center - Maestro Grand
4 Surrounds - Waltz Grand

I thank you in advance for any advice provided on this subject.
Brian


brianb339
musicloversaudio's avatar
musicloversaudio
44 posts
 
I'm with Erik. No AV piece made more than a couple years ago is a good bet for longevity (excepting Theta Digital).  The Anthem would be a nice upgrade in sound quality over the Marantz, as well.`One of the most disastrous adventures upon which I ever embarked, as far as my marriage is concerned, was me trying to repair my aging Conrad Johnson PV 5. I didn't think to fully test the transformer until after I'd replaced all the caps and several other components. I personally, will never buy used again. The risk is much higher than people think and the opportunity cost is huge as well.
brianb339 OP
4 posts
 
Great information to consider everyone.  Thank you.
jw944ts's avatar
jw944ts
335 posts
 
ditto others, it is said that caps last ~20 y, but that is average, of course....initial quality of caps, how hot the amp runs(ventilation), and amount used, of course, all play a role....certainly they can last longer, but when the amp starts having a hum, they are going......also, humidity can play a role, as restistors, as they heat and cool can crack with age, and if humidity gets in there, I think that also contributes to shortening lives....
schubert
7,386 posts
 
I have owned about 50 amps .In my experience things start to go south after 15 years but as the decline
is slow your ears adjust to the decline till about 20 years .
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,391 posts
 
With quality gear well worth rebuilding 
the capacitors dry out ,
and while rebuilding improve  the design ,most all amplifiers or preamps 
use good reliable average parts ,coupling capacitors many good brands ,for the power supply  there to buy the best electro Lytics , get all1% resistors 
and signal path small values Vishay naked, Non magnetic Tantalum resistors brings natural character in the right areas. And for sure rewire 
Neotech makes excellent Teflon -0 Crystal copper wiring,as well as silver.
your connectors for sure make a difference ,for not much money 
WBT makes a less expensive all Gold Copper text gen for speaker terminals 
and rca, Furutech makes the best gold
or rhodium over copper IEC inputs 
from there there are many tweaks .
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