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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
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cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 
heaudio, I am sorry but you are not making any sense in your capacitance stuff.  Noone is APPLYING the higher voltage.  The voltage is FIXED at the rails.  The ONLY time it moves UP is when there is a surge.  The overvoltage RATING of the capacitor simply is able to absorb the extra max voltage which spikes so it does not blow the cap.  That is why I prefer the voltage rating to be high so that it indeed CAN absorb spikes.

There will be NO change whatsoever in the capacitance of a cap becoz of its voltage rating or by changing the applied voltage to it (unless temperature becomes an issue).

And the thermistors are NTC btw: 
https://www.newark.com/amphenol-advanced-sensors/cl-60/ntc-inrush-current-limiter-10/dp/81F3390

They have to be since they must settle to a LOW value with HIGHER temps otherwise you would never be able get more than quarter of the power of the amp since the current would be limited ALL the time.
A better (but more expensive) way of doing this would be using relays with a timer of course.
sonetduo
51 posts
 
I have 40+ years old amps from Yamaha, Victor, Sony, in original condition that still rock. That said, it is risky business to use them in this condition without restoration service.


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inna
7,923 posts
 
For your Vienna speakers and almost whatever else you might want to replace them with for moderate size room, there is Gryphon Diablo 120 integrated for sale here. Get it and forget about the age of an amp. Gryphons are built for 40 years of reliable operation under normal conditions. Sure, some break from time to time. Everything breaks from time to time. You don't need separates. Gryphon is higher level than Pass.
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