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.