@erik_squires Absolutely agree that the output transistors are typically the first to go of any transistors in the unit.
Amplifier Longevity Question
When I got started with quality two-channel equipment, after my first pair of decent speakers (B&W CDM-7NTs), I bought a Magnum Dynalab MD208 receiver. This was in approx. 2001; a leap of faith, based mostly on a Stereophile review. About a year later, after upgrading speakers, I bought a McIntosh MC402 power amp, and used the Magnum Dynalab only as a preamp and tuner.
Although I've since changed sources, speakers, and cabling, the MD208 and MC402 are still in use today. (For about 7 years, they weren't used much; before and since they've been played daily, or close to daily.) I have no complaints about sound quality. I have noticed zero SQ degradation, despite two household moves, and placement in living rooms for the entire period. My system (with Sonus Faber speakers) sounds good to me, and to my wife, a retired classical musician. I wish the MC402 didn't weigh about 115 lbs, and would rather that our last movers hadn't lost the MD208's remote, and somehow caused the volume knob to decrease its immediate responsiveness (a very minor issue), but otherwise, I have nothing to complain about.
But nothing last forever. And at this point, a decent audiophile system is important to us. I'm not itching to make a change, but I am curious to get some sense from my fellow A'goners about the remaining useful life of these two components, which have served me well. What should I reasonably expect?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
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@gg107 Why not send in your MD to Canada (or maybe Buffalo, NY) and have them give it a tune up. I made the mistake of sending my MD102 to fix the reception drift and got back a MD108T. The MD108T is great. |
Very amusing, @yyzsantabarbara! My dealings with MD have not been entirely satisfactory. I called them to see about getting a replacement remote; the person I spoke to said he would get back to me in a day or two. I did not hear from MD; after about a week, I called and emailed them on the same issue. They did not get back to me. About a month later I called again. No, they didn't have a replacement remote, and couldn't help me. Great product, but unimpressive customer service. As for sending it in for a tune-up, I don't want to be without music for however long it would take (and I suspect MD would not be swift). But, @yyzsantabarbara, were they timely with you? |
I had a very good experience with MD last year when I inquired about fixing my MD102. We spent about a week trying to figure out the cause of the problem via email. I live in Goleta, CA near the ocean and surrounded by mountains. I was using the MD ST-2 antenna indoors/outdoors and my MD 102 reception was not very good. Not as good as when I was in the Bay Area, CA. We decided to send my unit in for a tune up and then I got the bright idea of upgrading. The person I contacted and worked with was Jim Richards I think he is a VP at MD. BTW - I have 4 tuners and the MD108T is the best one but I also have an Accuphase T-101 modified by someone who seems like a tuner savant from Los Angeles. That tuner at $1200 is almost as good as the MD108T. It has better reception and is slightly drier than the tube based MD108T, The Accuphase modder is this guy. Though I do not see a tuner listed at the moment ACCUPHASE C-200 Preamp! (Elegant Sound)! | Solid state | Audiogon |
I’ll have to do some more research on the receiver…. At first blush it sounds like a really weak link in the system. But if you are OK with it and are not looking to upgrade.
Decreases in sound quality happen at glacial rates. So, it is unlikely you would notice unless you dropped in a new component.
But… the MAc. Heavy is good! While it may be a bit inconvenient… this has always been a really good sign for me in the lady 50 years of pursuing the high end. I have found the relationship between sound and weight virtually perfect. I don’t think I own a component less then 35 lbs. Don’t move it a lot. Get help. It is worth it. Definitely 20 years or more are appropriate on an audiophile component… and a refresh from the manufacturer will replace capacitors and fading components. Sonus Faber speakers are very natural an musical… not surprising you guys like the sound. Order a new remote. |
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