Old SS amps

Those who don the rubber gloves and wellies and are with the adeptness to build Valve Amp's in the Modern Day, will get quite excited if Iron is found from the 1930's.

Shoe Box Size Tranx''s from the 30's, working with modern Components and Valves from the 40's, is today being realized and I meet the odd individual keeping the Art and Themselves Alive.

A Friend during their earliest interest in Audio, had acquired enough Quad II Amp's to fill a few shelves in their Mancave, they refurbished these and made monies to Upgrade when making new Purchases, some would say the Quad II is all one needs. Not bad for a 1950's design. With Horn Speakers they did quite a nice job.

Another Friend is using Sansui AU 111 with a complete overhaul of Parts as their main Amp's, these 1960's Amps are adorned with Valves from the same era and are driving Stacked ESL 57's, there is a substantial amount to like with the EAR Acute as a Source, also adorned with 1960's Valves.    

 My Own Valve Power Amp's that are in regular use, are a design completed in the 90's and built during the late 90's / early 00's.

Today I am able to listen to quite a few Valve Amp's designed / Built in the 90's era and am always thoroughly impressed. One Owner bought into a design for very very fair monies, with a Mirror Chrome Casing and Interstage Tranx's incorporated as part of the design. This has been compared to currently available of the Shelf Modern Design Valve Amp's used in the same system and has shown itself to be a Kick Ass Amp'. The owner of this Amp' does not need to Spend an extra £6K - £10K to get something quite similar.

Another Friend specialises in Overhauling SS Japanese Amp's from the 70's to the 90's. Amp's overhauled are used in certain Systems where other supporting devices are approx' £30ish K in Value. I am associated with a few of the owners of these Overhauled Amp's, and know the Owners are not in any frame of mind to change, they proudly wear their Amp's used on their Sleeve. I am very very Familiar with a Overhauled SS Sansui Amp' from this era, there is nothing to suggest it has shortcomings that are discernible. I recently added one to a Shortlist to be used as a Amp' in the SS System to be produced for my Wife, for her to enjoy her Vinyl Collection         

I think @pindac drew an outstanding picture of the larger context in which high-end vintage equipment exists and is sought, appreciated, and kept in good custody by a certain breed of audiophile.

20 year old high-end gear is not "old"... It is better described as nicely broken in.

I would highly recommend such gear to the right person. My system is made up of it.

But those who worry about parts availability and serviceability had best buy new gear, and with it the peace of mind that factory warranty confers upon its buyer until it expires, which comes soon enough - unless you get Bryston gear, which has a 20-year warranty... and is quite good too, by the way.

Pretty easy, degradation of non-mechanical electronics is caused by degree of heat multiplied by time.

@roxy1927  If I was ever looking to purchase a piece of older equipment, I would start the conversation with "so, are you in the always on camp?"  Cheers.

@bigtwin Excellent point there. Also ask about caps being replaced, or at least being checked out and deemed acceptable at some point recently. If all goes well an older amp can be a great buy but it can also be an expensive project if you don't do your homework.