2. amps-preamps
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Amplifier's age

I see posts about an amplifier's age and how it's getting long in the tooth. What does that mean? If you maintain your equipment, caps etc., it's well made to begin with, it doesn't use rare transistors and such what difference does it make? Maybe a new amp sounds better, maybe it doesn't. I see amps especially SS McIntosh amps that were made back at the dawn of transistor technology still plugging along. Some tube amps are 50-60 years old. Is it because we always have to find the next thing?
digepix

Showing 3 responses by csontos

csontos
1,311 posts
 
A 15-20 year old amp should be completely gone over and overhauled imo. Even if it sounds great, it will benefit and sound noticeably better afterward provided you find the right tech which is rare. If his heart's not in it, you likely won't notice anything. If it is, he will have chosen parts very specifically in order to improve and not just maintain it. Well worth the average $400.00 in that case.
csontos
1,311 posts
 
Yes there will always be competent techs. And yes, there will be enough carcasses to cannibalize in ours and the lifetime to come. Just because in addition to the original designers and builders, a large tech fan base will exist for great stuff, which actually is a very good yard stick for eligible candidates. Of which my 3 TNT200's and TNT120 just rebuilt/modded by Roy Esposito are good examples of. I have several other GAS gear done by Mike Bettinger and a local tech. Also a pair of vintage LSR&D Leach Superamp monos rebuilt locally. They are all stellar performers. The key is to trust the technician with the "right" and the best feedback/references. Lots of unwitting customers give good feedback just because it's "working" again. Those techs are a dime a dozen.
Do your homework! Don't be fooled by certain outfits just because they're advertizing here or elseware running prominent businesses. Quite often that is the best disguise. I've been burned this way more than once. Can't name any names where it happened.
csontos
1,311 posts
 
Exactly. It's either ho-hum or an improvement.
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