2. amps-preamps
  3. 177133-53619

Disadvantages of buying old solid state.

I am looking to upgrade from a single ended amp to a balanced because of the purchase of a new balanced pre. Due to budgetary reasons I am forced to buy a used unit. I am interested in the Pass .5 series as what I've heard of the .8 I was not happy with. There are those who prefer the .5. sound as well. I was told however that buying such an old unit I might find that the bias has changed. Any experiences with buying old solid state and any negative consequences? I would very much like to hear anyone's views on the matter.

Thank you.

 

 

roxy1927

Showing 2 responses by audition__audio

audition__audio
1,634 posts
 

One of the problems with older products, especially S.S. is that the parts may no longer be available. I am having a problem with an older ARC S.S. amp that may be impossible to remedy. The other problems is when I opened this unit up I saw exactly how stupid the design. Awful opamp module running the whole works or at least the works that matter most. 

 

audition__audio
1,634 posts
 

Caps, inductors and transistors are not the same as in the 60s. They may measure the same but they do not sound the same. Plus you have significantly more good choices now than back in the day. You could take the exact same Dynaco circuit update it with better innards and it will sound better. Some say it will be unrecognizable. So, with all due respect, you should listen to some of the more modern gear because I think you might be very surprised. This would especially true with more modern speakers.

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