2. amps-preamps
  3. 191209-179778

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
sidog1460's avatar
sidog1460
59 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
77 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.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
jallan
294 posts
 

Try Schiit!

gpsteve
1 posts
 

Schiit Audio +1

Particularly the Vidar (ver. 1) used as mono blocks. I currently run with Maggie 1.7i’s.

inagroove
102 posts
 

+1 onhwy61 

Who stated - "Of the amps you listed the Ayre would generally be considered a higher quality amp than the others."

If you go for an Ayre, they are still in business. I recently had Ayre replace/upgrade the capacitors in my Amp, and they sound great.  

The service is excellent. You could drop-ship your purchase to them, have it bench tested and upgraded before it is installed in your system.

best of luck...

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