2. amps-preamps
  3. 179040-156443

Amplifier Longevity Question

When I got started with quality two-channel equipment, after my first pair of decent speakers (B&W CDM-7NTs), I bought a Magnum Dynalab MD208 receiver.  This was in approx. 2001; a leap of faith, based mostly on a Stereophile review.  About a year later, after upgrading speakers, I bought a McIntosh MC402 power amp, and used the Magnum Dynalab only as a preamp and tuner.

Although I've since changed sources, speakers, and cabling, the MD208 and MC402 are still in use today.  (For about 7 years, they weren't used much; before and since they've been played daily, or close to daily.)  I have no complaints about sound quality.  I have noticed zero SQ degradation, despite two household moves, and placement in living rooms for the entire period.  My system (with Sonus Faber speakers) sounds good to me, and to my wife, a retired classical musician.  I wish the MC402 didn't weigh about 115 lbs, and would rather that our last movers hadn't lost the MD208's remote, and somehow caused the volume knob to decrease its immediate responsiveness (a very minor issue), but otherwise, I have nothing to complain about.

But nothing last forever. And at this point, a decent audiophile system is important to us. I'm not itching to make a change, but I am curious to get some sense from my fellow A'goners about the remaining useful life of these two components, which have served me well.  What should I reasonably expect?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

gg107

Showing 1 response by dynacohum

dynacohum
695 posts
 

I just checked the Universal Remote database, and the Magnum Dynalab code set is there. That means you can have an MX remote programmed to include your tuner’s operating controls, along with any TV & sound system you have. The MX-790 is $349.00 and a basic program is usually under $200.00.  Not worth it just for the tuner, but as a total solution maybe. Alternatively a cheap code programmable one from a blister pack might have it for $10.00. The GE or Phillips ones use the UEI database, which is vast. They are annoying to set up, but hey, they’re cheap.

Give your back a break and get a good Class D, Purifi Eigentakt or GAN FET amp, which will be as transparent and powerful as you need without the hernia.  NAD M23, or for more esoteric appeal, Orchard or Mytek. All under $4000.00, some a lot under. 

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