2. misc-audio
  3. 174149-107

Lifespan of components?

How long can we expect a well designed component to last before it fails? I am assuming that eventually everything fails. I am looking at my system, and the oldest pieces here are in the 50 year range. Some components should be easy to replace if they fail- a capacitor, resistor of transistor, but other things not so easy- a transformer or an integrated circuit, and if they fail, their often unobtainable status means its the end if the road unless a parts donor can be found. In some ways I think it could be easier to give a 1960’s component a new lease on life after a failure than a 1980’s IC based wonder that has failed. 

zavato

Showing 1 response by sns

sns
3,839 posts
 

Heat is major cause of component wear, manage heat and get longer life.

 

And then we have much faster evolution and innovation in certain audio categories. Take streaming for example, I consider these components consumables, certain components may be obsolete in matter of months.

 

Think about how many audio components are considered failures prior to parts failure. Many components may still operate yet would be considered failures as no market exists for resale.  I bet most of us have some equipment sitting around unused and not really salable.

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