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When is an amp ‘just too old? ’ To buy?

Hello sports fans!!

I’m seriously tossing around the idea to get into another amp (s) as I’m simply not playing mine as I should. 20 hours in the last year or so is about all. I’ve been using both my office and now BR systems far, far more as they’re handier and simpler to manage now.

Switching speaker wires, and re-checking bias from extended lengthy periods of non use causes me to not use my monos enough to keep them or so Im thinking.

Add to that my vision is apparently going away now at a faster clip than I’d prefer too …. It all adds up… so there they sit. 20 hrs. over a whole year. It’s embarrassing.

So I’m thinking SS. Or self biasing amps now as replacements, IF I decide to go that way and it’s looking more & more as I will.

I’ve always thought amps under 5 yr and preferably under 3 or less, as the ones I’d prefer to take a shot with, but am seeing more and more amps now with 5, 6, 8, 9, even 10 years from date of production and am wondering, just when is an amp (s) old enough to forget about or when one should really consider some other amps.

Do you all feel SS amps have a different criteria than do HS amps in terms of longevity?

Or is it vice versa, with tube amps lasting longer, generally speaking?

How old is just too damn old! As it relates to amps for sale… in your opinion, of course????

Thanks much.
blindjim
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
Hi Jim,

You'll find this thread to be interesting reading, although it's basic conclusion is that there are no clear answers.

Sorry to hear of the worsening of your vision problems.

Best regards,
-- Al
steveaudio
331 posts
 
*How old is just too damn old!* I keep wondering that about myself, but that's a different topic (attempt at humor).

But, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 10 y.o. SS amp by a good mfg. Tube power amps are more dues for a lot of us, & it sounds like you're going towards simplicity? My 2 experiences with Tube power amps were enjoyable, basically, until they needed new tubes, biasing, etc. etc.

In your case I'd vote for SS, don't know what you're looking for, but have you thought about any of the C-J SS amps? Just my 2 cents, good luck......
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 

Al
Thanks. Missed that thread looking through the archives.

No clear answers? Figures. I also figured some makers might chime in and lend some input too.... but as I think of it perhaps the amount of variables is simply too great to pin point a time frame for such things.

A general theme however ought to do me though.

Re hard of seeing getting harder..
Yes. it is what it is.

If played even routinely though the bias issue with mine isn't a big deal. they hold rather well indeed, thankfully.

Steveaudio

Simplify ... simplify... simplify.
Well, kind of...

I actually scope out the retubing costs for each amp in advance as a part of my buying one/them. The cost for retubing these monos is quite on the low side for twin amps at < $350 w/new + NOS tubes.... depending on how NOS-y one wishes to get.

Simpler? probably. I guess.

the oldest amps I've ever owned were or are these Dodds. I think they're almost 4 now. got 'em when they were < 1.5 yr old.... or my former BAT 500 which was about 3 when I got it.

I'll be mindful of any CJ SS amps, thanks.

A big deal for me too and maybe for others, is ongoing support. If an amp is no longer being made, the co that made it is gone, or the co that made it no longer has parts and/or the amps were setup in bridged mode, or drove panels speakers.... those things concern me, rightly or wrongly.

I do know this.... amps like everything else just don't last forever and as age accumulates on them I feel it must come thru in their performance.

So I'm thinking once it's out of warranty is a good enough time frame for an amp (s) life, and thereafter NOT pay a premium price for it/them.. or on avg. 5yrs.

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