Is there an average life span for a preamp?

Ralph, that might be because of the inductor in series with the woofer that has resistance in order of 0.08ohm at best, but some people still complain about overdamping and the lack of bass.

Kijanki, there may be something I'm missing but I would not expect much change to the output impedance with most amplifiers or preamps on account of the condition of the filter caps. In every case I have seen if the caps are ailing, replacement universally has the unit sounding more musical.

No speaker is so sensitive to damping factor such that you would be able to hear a difference between 4000 and say 200. The damping factor does not play much of a role with any speaker unless it falls below 20 or so. But as you say, some speakers *prefer* the damping of the amp to be lower.

"universally accepted amongst those who do such work that the filter caps in the power supply should be among the first things to be changed during a restoration"

I agree. I would also like to have caps changed during restoration of old amp but would not do that otherwise (without a cause).

I assume that amps with minimal feedback are less forgiving but issue of increase output impedance (ESR of capacitor) is complicated one. My class D amp with DF=4000 at low frequencies sounds great with my speakers. I'm pretty sure that increased output impedance might make it sound better with other speakers. In such case audiophile satisfied with great sounding older amp replaces caps, following advise of an "expert", for the worse sound. Do I make sens?

Kijanki, that sounds about right to me. However as a side hobby I like to restore vintage analog synthesizers. Its pretty well universally accepted amongst those who do such work that the filter caps in the power supply should be among the first things to be changed during a restoration. Of course, many analog synths can be a few years older- some are from the late 1960s. But my Prophet 5 (http://www.vintagesynth.com/sci/p5.php) is from the 80s and there was no question that new filter caps helped it out- it sounded better and was far less sensitive to line voltage after that!

Atmasphere, My calculation based on Nichicon data shows that at 35degC (95degF) standard caps should have 80% of capacitance after 17.8 years. Each 10degC cuts life in half, so I would estimate not more than 10 years for caps in hotter amps unless 105degC or long life caps are used. When ESR of the cap increases to cause substantial heating from ripple current they get even higher ESR (since ESR increases with temperature) and thermal runaway causing to blow fuse or scored top. It happens when capacitor is very old and starts running hot. It should be easy to detect such caps especially since there should be other symptoms like less dynamic sound, poorly defined bass, 120Hz noise etc.

I can understand that many audiophiles have "gardener's syndrome" (constant need to trim and re-pot) but if it sounds good to you - don't touch it.

Filter capacitors will hold up better if they continue to get used on a regular basis. However they will still degrade. Any piece that is over 20 years old should be considered suspect. It may well still work, but that is not the same as saying that it is working as well as it should.

How do I treat the capacitors well besides providing enough space for ventilation? Do I talk to them and say that they are good boys and girls? Any suggestions?

I have seen pre's from the late 70's and still sounding good...it depends on how you treat them.

When your pre or amp no longer has the sparkle, it's probably the caps. I just changed some 15 year old caps, and that prvented me from buying a new pre.

The main limitation is the life of the filter capacitors in the power supply. These days the half life of them is about 20 years (IOW- in 20 years half of them will have failed).

Of course many units will run longer than that but its a safe bet that if the filter caps are changed out they will sound instantly better!

I've had my Luxman preamp for over 35 years without any problems whatsoever.

Yes, but it is unknowable for each particular case.

Joe,
I've had the same pre-amp for going on 13 years. I have not had one bit of a problem. I can't believe how good that little thing sounds. Unlike you, however, I'm not really fond of the "passive" mode. But I'm glad that you like it. I can't believe Adcom stopped making the unit. Find yourself a reputable tech and put him/her on standby. If it ever needs servicing, it should not be a major deal. If you live in the Hudson Valley area, let me know. I can recommend a good technician.

In the meantime, keep enjoying that little giant killer!

AFAIK every preamp is class A. Saving power (class AB) is unimportant in preamps.

My impression is that it should last a long time. It seems that you all feel the same way and that is good to hear. This particular component is class A and it does run warm when it is on. Does anyone feel that this makes any difference?

Pre-amps are one of the most trouble free or reliable components of a system.
I've have some friends who has 20 year old pre-amps; while some needed re-capping, others works just fine with just regular tube changes.
Amps on the other hand is another matter due to heat & other variables.

Joe - 12000hrs is nothing. The only perishable things inside (other than mechanical switches) are electrolytic caps. Their life is in order of 50years in room temperature. Every 10deg C temp. increase cuts their life by 2 (they dry-out). Since preamps tend to run cold I wouldn't worry for at least next 20 years.

I have a Naim pre-amp in my system from 1985 - it rocks! An older pre may require some maintenance or service to perform optimally, but usually not a big deal.