I'm curious about the the sound of the historical amps as they age. I enjoyed access to Woodbridge Stereo in NJ in the 1980s. They carried the Thresholds, among other goodness. I now have a possible bead on an S/500 II, in the process of a refurbishment. Or maybe a Levinson 23.5. No matter. The arc welders of yore, seventh of their names, etc. I do enjoy listening to the equipment I once coveted but could not afford.
Will an older amp exceed the original sound/detail/staging with refreshment of the older parts with more modern bits? Or is it a hit or miss proposition?
I am not at all opposed to refurb'd equipment. I feel lucky to be running a CJ 17LS2 into a Pass Aleph 5, with my Vandersteen 2ce Sigs. Both the preamp and the amp have made the journey to their respective factories and back again. If I don't try for sustained volumes above 90 dB, the setup is very satisfying. I've had multiple amps through the house and with it comes the opportunity to try "new things."
The A5 developed a hum during my stewardship, so I knew it was time. But are there other sonic cues that suggest that a solid state amp requires attention?
