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
mellowshifi
4 posts
 

I use a McIntosh MC7270 amp with a C 712.. These units are easy to get serviced and are built to last a century.  The C 712 recently needed a new power supply.  I sent it to George Wilson and had it back in a week with a full tune up. 

1971gto455ho's avatar
1971gto455ho
477 posts
 

Don’t let the fear mongering get to you, who cares how old an amp is ? Secondly who cares if the company is still in business. It’s electronics virtually everything is replaceable outside of cosmetic i.e. case, buttons, knobs, that sort of thing. Exceptional quality equipment of the past when you’re talking amplifiers would still rate higher end today. Research find the end game, restore, financially you’ll come out way ahead IMO, has for me many times over.

Cheers 

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,120 posts
 

Not every amp can be repaired (or upgraded) without the original schematic. So the who that should care is anyone buying a 20+ yr old amp whose manufacturer is out of business. 

incorrigable
32 posts
 

You can have brand new Red Dragon M1000 monoblocks for $1600. Plenty of power for any Mangepan. 

berner99
216 posts
 

Between new and 20+ years old gear there is a large gap.  Haven’t had phono in decades but have bought most of my gear demo or 3-5 years old selecting well thought of brands and had no problem with gear lasting 10+ years usually more after I bought it.

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