I agree to find a reputable dealer who can repair and sell the equipment on Consignment.
This level equipment will not be stripped for parts. It was great when it was purchased and with some care is still excellent. Many on this forum believe that your father's equipment has really not been surpassed today. If you are in the Northeast I know a very reputable used audio business that could take this on. I wish you well knowing how important this is to you and your father's legacy.
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I would take it to a reputable dealer and have him sell the pieces on consignment or you.
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You said, you don`t have time/money/knowledge to restore the system. If you think money, it`s still better to restore and sell then just sell it is. It`s going to be a good chance to someone to cash out, once everything properly set. I would talk someone who is able to help. We are just guessing but noone how much would be to restore. Maybe a few bucks and labour or an arm. Who knows. Even if I would sell it I want to know what it`s worth. Now it`s a mistery box to someone lucky to make a deal. He is going to make a pre-deal and a better one in person. How good it is gonna turn out for you only depends on the buyers good heart. It`s hard to refuse an offer in person especially for something you want to sell, and don`t know the value. There are endless stories finding old cars in the shade... |
Don't let anyone low ball you on price for this equipment. The last Infinity IRS Beta's on US Audio Mart in 2017, listed for $7400. Probably worth more now. This equipment is very good stuff. Good luck! |
The IRS Beta's are not worth a plug nickel. If they're still working, I'll be by to pick them up and won't even charge you for hauling them away. |
Thanks everyone - I truly appreciate the advise. It breaks my heart to let it go but I just don't have the knowledge, time and money to restore it. Sure hope somebody gets to appreciate and enjoy it down the road.
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op
that is good stuff there... excellent system
i would not give up on it and part it out
much much musical pleasure can be had from that gear!
not sure where you are located, hopefully you can bring the electronics and tt to a good repair shop for a check over
the question will be the speakers if the panels are working right
depends how they have been stored and whether there are heat and moisture effects...
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You said these were in storage for 8 years, was the system operated before then? If off for 8 years, that's not too long for an SS amp. The Spectral preamp has a separate power supply, so you can power up the power supply without connecting it to the preamp itself first. I have not had a problem with bringing SS equipment up to voltage relatively quickly. Say from about 50% of line voltage to 90% line voltage in about 2-5 minutes. Then go up to the full voltage slower, maybe 1 hour from 90% to 100%. After bringing the power supply of the Spectral to 100%, let it run for a couple hours or more. Then turn off and the next day, connect the preamp to the power supply and bring the voltage up to 90% in 1-2 minutes. Again go from 90% to 100% in an hour and let it run for a while. Follow similar procedure for each power amplifier separately, 2-5 minutes 50-90% then 90 to 100% in an hour. I'm sure others in the community will have comments, so I encourage you to wait to get more input. If you want to message me, feel free.
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Using a Variac on a SS amp, you better know what your doing. MOST SS amps Don't like low voltage. The reason for a Variac in older gear is just as Mr Bourne said, BUT there is a big difference in the HOW old PtoP come online vs SS. There are diodes that just DON'T work until you hit that 105-125 vac mark. It will COOK the thing with low voltage..
I take up to a week to bring up an old point to point amp. 25 vac for a few days. It tightens the old caps up and can SLOW external liquid leaks on the PIO and even filter caps..
OP how are the surrounds and cabinets? Are all the servo amps an XOs there?
Betas can be a lot of fun.. I've tinkered with them a few times, added enclosures to the mids and low mid planars. Just stunning after a few mods..
Stock.. What can I say they are OB dipoles, tough to get them to work right, a LOT of combing going on. The timing front to rear with that narrow baffle????? They envelope a room stock. A lot of sound everywhere!!
The Servo bass CAN sure work great too..
What state are you in? Not a trick question either. :-)
Regards |
+1 fiesta75! Using a variac to power up vintage gear from storage is very good advice! That way the power supply caps can reform slowly - and may prove perfectly usable! |
Sadly, most of us aging audiophiles face the same ending ... our kids just really don’t want all this stuff we’ve accumulated. I’ve got a huge collection to dispose over the next few years rather than saddle my daughter with it. |
Regardless of what you decide to do with it, take it to a reputable technician that does restoration work for high end audio gear for check out and clean bill of health.
That will optimize the value. |
pretty much every component is suspect due to aging capacitors....so sell thru a reputable dealer who can test and if needed warranty the gear. I would suggest TMR this site.
best to you on your journey.. I still have gear of my Dad’s from 1961... keeping it running is a labor of love and remembrance |
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By all means keep it and use it, all of the equipment listed is high quality! I would invest in a variac transformer to use when first powering each piece. This will reduce the chance of electrical damage after not being powered for so long. The turntable will need some TLC and lubrication most likely. |
check each single piece on hifishark.com and ebay to see what others are asking/getting for them. 'watch' on eBay, take your time if you can.
extremely unlikely you will sell the system 'together'.
then you have some sense of value.
protection for shipping is critical, you don't need problems, plan on double box, charge enough for shipping. |
