When I lost a capacitor on my ML 336 the right channel got static that would not go away. In my experience you will know when one needs to be replaced.
Old SS amps
What are people's experiences with old SS amps. And I'm talking old like close to 20 years. I guess this can be called vintage(though to me it's yesterday.)
Either you bought it new and have had it that long or you bought it used.
Is buying it used a really bad idea even though it was owned by one person with no service issues? Like an old Pass.
I hear something about capacitators needing to be replaced. Should it be avoided like the plague? Am very interested in one but don't want to be stuck with a cat in a sack.
Thanks for any thoughts.
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I’ve bought nearly 20 used amps of various vintage, many 20-30 years old by now. Only two have had sound problems (as opposed to needing new bulbs in meters and that sort of thing): a Levinson 23 which are known to cook themselves to death, and a Classe that still works but has occasional right channel fussiness. The rest work great. IMHO, buying new vs used says more about the personality of the owner than the reliability of the gear (not saying either is superior). I have friends that just won’t own used. |
I was given a McIntosh MC2250, it was many years old, I used it trouble free for many more years, until I went back to efficient horn speakers and tube preamp/amp. https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/legacy-products/amplifiers/MC2250 Had it checked by McIntosh at a lab day at Harvey’s NYC when I got it, checked perfect, beyond spec, needed one LED replaced; and had it checked/certified by McIntosh factory in Binghamton, NY prior to selling it, needed nothing. |
Been using a Sony 3200f since new in the early seventy's. It was a party amp and quiet listening amp. Always and the only problem is a burned out "on" lamp. . Took it to a McIntosh test and was told by Mac tech it was a "good little amp." Never serviced but the "on" lamp burned out about 30 years ago. Now it shares duty with a Decware for fun. The differences are there but not huge. A good find would be a bargain. Good ventilation is essential. |
As with so many things in life, I believe the answer is "It depends.". I would say that looking for something from a company with a good reputation for quality and, even better, one that still services their gear, might be optimal but I wouldn't let it scare me off if they don't. The key is finding a good, reputable shop. If you're looking at Pass, then the answer is likely just send it to them. If you're looking at other gear, then finding a good shop is paramount. I had the luxury of visiting the shop I'll be using out of Austin. I feel very good about working with them. Happy listening. |
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