2. amps-preamps
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Do amps lose steam over time?

I am a bit of a neophyte and realize that is probably a dumb question. But after a couple years of listening to my first legit system (Rotel Pro, Rotel RMB 1075 amp, Focal 918 Profiles, REL R-528 sub), it seems like it is not as dynamic, and frankly not as loud at the same volume level as it used to be. I'm aware it could just be that I've gotten accustomed to the sound (or my hearing is going). But I know that the amp, which I bought used, is pretty long in the tooth, so I was curious if it's not just my imagination and that the sound is devolving a bit.
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
The reference to the Grateful Dead notwithstanding, Onhwy 61's advice is good. I don't know how old your Rotel amp is, but after some years, capacitors can go bad and leak or fail.

This can usually be detected by just checking for leaks or swelling of the caps, being careful to let your amp set for a few hours unplugged. (high voltage is present in amps, that will dissapate in a few hours).

High operating temperatures contribute to early electronics failures, so keep your equipment clean and well ventilated.

Best of luck,
Dan
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,951 posts
 
Everything deteriorates or flat out breaks eventually. Or it could be changes in your hearing or reaction to what you hear. Or all of the above. Can't hurt to pull everything apart and put it back together again once in a while if done with care. Clean ears can only help.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
How do you know the amp is the problem, and not another component in the system?
jgerish's avatar
jgerish OP
2 posts
 
Thanks for the tips. Zd542, I don't know that it's the amp, but I don't know what else it could be, or how to find out.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
After about a decade most are on a downhill path, but the change is so gradual you don't notice it.
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