2. amps-preamps
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Used amps, how to tell if,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I'm interested in buying a used amp and I an only afford  $2,000.00

I'm looking for an amp with at least 100 watts and decent or good or high current. Magnapans 7.1

I've seen some interesting amps circa 1980's 1990's but,

I was wondering how to tell if it's not sounding "right" to me  due to old caps.

1) what would be my recourse?

2) How would or could I tell?

ie if the caps are old how would it affect the sound?

thnax. 

128x128joes44
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,917 posts
 

1 - Get it recapped

2 - If its from the 80's-90's is sure to need new caps.

But why look at 30-40 yr old amps that are already worn out?  There is more to an amp than just caps. Plenty of newer amps on the market that fit your budget.

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 

I want to try the Maggie 7.1s, they must be awesome.....

 

But seriously, get a 200wpc amp minimum and not too old, a Parasound A21 would be just over 2500 bucks. 

jl35
3,943 posts
 

agree that 30-40 year old high power amps will need a recap...currently very happy with Odyssey Cyclops Extreme SE Integrated with Magnepans, believe the amp section is same as the Khartago...

joes44's avatar
joes44 OP
128 posts
 

I've read some good things about the Khartago. from what I've read they seem to to have the characteristics in sound that i'm looking for.. thanx

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

I'm getting ready to list a Parasound A21+ that is 6 months old with less than 100 hours of listening time.  that's one way to find an amp you know is good. 

Much harder for a non-expert to buy and old amp and refurbish it.  Of course you have to pay a lot less if you're going to refurbish.

Jerry 

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