I want to thank everyone who responded and provided advice and technical knowledge. Based on what I have read, especially regarding possible capacitor "aging" and "leakage", that it may be time to sell the amp and keep the tube pre-amp. I only need 75-100 RMS and prefer to have a smaller chasis amp that is not painful to lift and easy to move. At the same time, I want to also improve the sound not only by acquiring a newer amp, but one that also sounds better. I would be open to a tube power amp if I could find a unit that is at least 75RMS and whose bass is not mushy or poorly defined, especially since I will be using a tube pre-amp....Any advice on used amps, tube or SS will be welcomed. I can spend approx. $800-1000. Thanks again, Jim
Can the sound of SS amp deteriorate over time??
Would like to know if the quality of the sound of a "high- end" solid state amp can deteriorate over a period of 10-15 years. That is, the the bass sounds less tight and controlled, the sound is less clean and clear and imaging is less focused and precise. I realize that a tube pre-amp or power amp are subject to this deterioration in sound depending on the quality and condition of the tubes.... Need some technical advice