I’m still using a Reference Line Silver Signature amp that I bought new in 1999. Class A, so it runs hot. Still sounds fantastic, although it did blow out a couple of transistors over the years. Fortunately, Roger Modjeski (RIP) lived nearby and graciously agreed to fix it—twice. And this was after another highly-respected tech said no way. So my advice, if you’re considering a decades-old amp, is to have a great tech nearby, one who digs a challenge. :) If this amp blows again, it’s a 100 lb boat anchor.
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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@devinplombier , deal! :) |
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One worry about older amps is that sometimes replacement parts, transistors especially, aren’t available. When I had my 1975 GAS Ampzilla rebuilt, I had to replace the original Motorola output transistors with newer (and higher rated voltage) Toshiba types. I had all the electrolytic and ceramic capacitors replaced also with new equivalents, including polypropylene for the ceramic types. I’ll be damned at how good it sounds. James Bongiorno knew how to design a good amp!. |
