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.
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?
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@devinplombier I appreciate the advice. Pass Labs uses a current limiting supply. I don't have one of those and they are pricy. I might try using an ac variac with a series of increased wattage incandescent bulbs in series with the line cord. |
@audiofilo123 I recommend the following amplifier brands; - Bryston 4B Series - Rotel - HEGEL - Luxman integrated I’m sure there are other good/reliable amps out there, but I’m sharing the brands that I own/owned in my systems. I bought the Bryston 4B SST in the early 2000’s and sold it to my buddy a few years ago and I never had a problem with it and my buddy loves it. I bought a 5-channel Rotel amplifier in the early 2000’s for my surround sound setup and I still have it. It’s a reliable unit that’ I’ve never had a problem with! I currently own a HEGEL H160 integrated in my second system and it’s a really nice unit that cost me under $2k from The Music Room a few years ago. The mighty Luxman L-509x integrated was a glorious piece of equipment that I bought new for my main system a few years ago. It’s still over the budget that you mentioned in the used market, but you could try to find one of the lesser expensive models that has the wattage you need for the Maggie’s. Luxman is the real deal. I sold it to go back to separates, then I recently moved back to an integrated for my main system. I wish I kept the Luxman, but it was too expensive to use in my second system, so I sold it to use the money for the main system upgrade. Godspeed to you! |
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