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Power amplifier longevity… thoughts?

Since I’ve bought a pair of Magnepan LRS+ speakers, I am searching for a used power amp with enough power and current to drive them as they deserve.

Some candidates come to mind and searching the used market (Hifi Shark) some are available for sale, for example:

- Classé CA-201

- Rotel RHB-10

- Acurus A200

- Muse 160

- Parasound HCA-1200 MkII

- Ayre V-1X
 

The possibility of buying a top quality amp at a friendly price is very appealing, especially comparing with todays new gear prices.

But the majority have way more the 20 years and one never knows the amp history, so there always the probability of a costly repair, and even the impossibility of restoration to the original specs when no parts or the service manual are available.

I wonder, in a general way, if an quality amp (and all parts) maintain the sound quality after all those years, needed only a check and bias adjustment.

Of course, in most hi-fi gear the capacitors and resistors are usually the first to need attention (change) but can those large caps (the size of a can of beer) last longer?

 

audiofilo123
yyzsantabarbara
4,697 posts
 

I have the LRS+ and have listened to a lot of amps on the LRS+. After a lot of online research, I found out that the Sanders MagTech maybe the dark horse amp for the LRS+. I had a 30-day home trial from Roger Sanders for a used amp and it was the 2nd best amp on the LRS+. Roger said he designed the amp for Maggies (Mag - Tech). He also said I would love it on the LRS+. I think after 2 days I said I would keep the used amp. The amp was built by CODA.

The best amp I have had on the LRS+ is the CODA #16. It also cost a lot more than the MagTech.

I am thinking of getting the much more expensive Luxman M10x or SimAudio 761 amp next year to replace the Sanders, but those two amps cost a lot more. I want another amp along with my CDA #16 that will work great on both my speakers.  This is so that I can rotate them. The MagTech is great on the LRS+ but just good on my Yamaha NS5000 speaker.

I see a Sanders on USAM for under $4k.

Some amps that I have owned and would be good with the LRS+:

  • CODA #8
  • Parasound A21+
  • KRELL Duo 175XD

 

noodlyarm
102 posts
 

I suggest you try a newer but used Krell.   The newer ones with the iBias technology are wonderful, stable, powerful, and sound simply like music.

yyzsantabarbara
4,697 posts
 

I suggest you try a newer but used Krell.   The newer ones with the iBias technology are wonderful, stable, powerful, and sound simply like music.

  • KRELL Duo 175XD
sidog1460's avatar
sidog1460
55 posts
 

I had an Audio Research Vt-100 amp and Audible Illusions preamp combo for over 20 years. I wish I would’ve kept them both and started a second system. Great sound together.

audiofilo123 OP
65 posts
 

Thanks for all the suggestions but I forgot to mention that:

- I live in Europe (230v / 50-60hz)

- my budget is up to €2500 / $2775

Although my main goal is to drive the LRS+, my question is about power amplifiers longevity and the risk of buying a 20+ years piece. From all the answers there is an indicator that most prefer to buy new.

My problem is that my budget doesn’t buy a new amp with the right specs for the LRS+ so I am “forced” to look in the used market.

Totally agree with the need to buy a brand that still exists, although I have some less happy experiences that way, with active companies no longer supporting their past products at all!

Right now, the Hegel H190 integrated and the Ayre V-1x power amp are the less risky propositions, both bought from a dealer, but I would love to have other choices.

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