2. amps-preamps
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Used vs new Tube mono amp? - same model

Have a chance to pick up a used mono tube amplifier and pair it with a new Mono amplifier, same model.

Any concerns about sonic differences between the monos since they have different ages?  Since it's older by about four years would it be better just to buy the second one new?  Not sure how a tube amplifier ages aside from wear and tear on the tubes.

emergingsoul
jond's avatar
jond
5,740 posts
 

Assuming the older amp is performing to spec it really shouldn't make any difference.

ghdprentice
6,821 posts
 

How much are you saving? 
 

If it i could afford it. I would get the new pair. Tube cycles are in synch. Sure, would not sound different. I buy audio equipment as expensive as I can afford and keep it for at least ten years. I would prefer they were both really identical.

 

This has a lot to do with your personality.

mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,969 posts
 

If you believe in equipment break-in, the new amp would need several hundred hours.  Once there, if a new set of matched tubes was put into both amps, they should sound pretty much the same.

Sometimes manufacturers make "running" changes to the model without really saying anything.  Sometimes it's minor, but you never know.  I would check with the manufacture to see if there were any.  Serial numbers would be most beneficial.

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