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 2 responses by gg107

gg107 OP
74 posts
 

Very amusing, @yyzsantabarbara!  My dealings with MD have not been entirely satisfactory. I called them to see about getting a replacement remote; the person I spoke to said he would get back to me in a day or two.  I did not hear from MD; after about a week, I called and emailed them on the same issue.  They did not get back to me.  About a month later I called again.  No, they didn't have a replacement remote, and couldn't help me.  Great product, but unimpressive customer service.  

As for sending it in for a tune-up, I don't want to be without music for however long it would take (and I suspect MD would not be swift).  But, @yyzsantabarbara, were they timely with you?

gg107 OP
74 posts
 

First, as the OP, let me say thanks to all who posted in response to this thread. Audiogon is a good place, with thoughtful and helpful members!

The consensus seems to be that my 20+ year old amps, which have been in daily use for about 14 years, and used only intermittently for about 7 years (2014-21), should be good for another few years at least, if properly serviced (and assuming parts are available).  I'm glad to learn this, because as I noted, I'm not itching to make changes just to make changes.  I've even learned to live without a remote for volume control, like the ancients.  It's not so bad!

Overall, I'm pleased with the sound of this system, which was much improved with the replacement of B&W 804S speakers by Sonus Faber Olympica III speakers last year.  (The B&Ws were good, and I had no complaints until they were destroyed; the SFs are in a different league.)  

Several members have suggested I reconsider my preamp situation, perhaps going to a tube preamp.  I appreciate the thoughts, and may do that at some point.  I also might get another SS preamp.  I have zero technical expertise, though, and I'm not handy, and don't like messing with equipment.  That was why, when I bought my MC402 many years ago, I didn't go with my other finalist, a VTL power amp.  The VTL sounded fantastic to me, placing opera singers in 3-dimensional space, as if they were on stage.  But the VTL ran hot, and seemed like it was going to be a demanding sports car, requiring attention. 

As for Class D and similar amps, I haven't heard any of the more recent products.  What I have heard, perhaps 8-10 years ago, left me un-wowed. But technology advances, and I keep an open mind.

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