Aged components / service!?

rird

a pre which is between 10-15 years old. Personally i kind of feel this is close to a no go. I get conflicting information with regards to service and age ...

It depends. There are components from companies such as ARC or Mac that are readily serviceable and that will last essentially a lifetime. There are also standard-grade consumer electronics that's junk the day after the warranty expires.

If its over 10 years old don't buy it.

Yes - totally depends on the brand.  I personally would not buy a component that old, but before buying any expensive used item I would contact someone who does service on those units and ask them whether the units can still be serviced. You can add Naim to the list of companies that service their components virtually forever. 

I agree, contact someone who overhauls audio equipment, get advice and a 'guesstimate' for a normal overhaul, factor that into your decision.

 I love my Vintage tube tuner/preamp from mid 60's, and love it more after having it worked on recently. That's 60 years old, 10 years is a drop in the bucket.

Not only great sound, but great features and options that newer equipment lacks. Die? Stolen? I'm getting another one, even though they are going up in price.

You don't have to go for 'super-audio' parts, just get it back within original specifications.

Cost: bought 1k, fix 1k: total $2k. New tube preamps with phono (or add a sep. phono) cost far more than that.

Lately, I think, have the seller ship it straight to Audio Classics or your repair shop, start with it overhauled.

Or, buy one with proof of recent overhaul, save yourself the trouble.