2. amps-preamps
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Power amplifier longevity… thoughts?

Since I’ve bought a pair of Magnepan LRS+ speakers, I am searching for a used power amp with enough power and current to drive them as they deserve.

Some candidates come to mind and searching the used market (Hifi Shark) some are available for sale, for example:

- Classé CA-201

- Rotel RHB-10

- Acurus A200

- Muse 160

- Parasound HCA-1200 MkII

- Ayre V-1X
 

The possibility of buying a top quality amp at a friendly price is very appealing, especially comparing with todays new gear prices.

But the majority have way more the 20 years and one never knows the amp history, so there always the probability of a costly repair, and even the impossibility of restoration to the original specs when no parts or the service manual are available.

I wonder, in a general way, if an quality amp (and all parts) maintain the sound quality after all those years, needed only a check and bias adjustment.

Of course, in most hi-fi gear the capacitors and resistors are usually the first to need attention (change) but can those large caps (the size of a can of beer) last longer?

 

audiofilo123

Showing 4 responses by audiofilo123

audiofilo123 OP
84 posts
 

Thanks for all the suggestions but I forgot to mention that:

- I live in Europe (230v / 50-60hz)

- my budget is up to €2500 / $2775

Although my main goal is to drive the LRS+, my question is about power amplifiers longevity and the risk of buying a 20+ years piece. From all the answers there is an indicator that most prefer to buy new.

My problem is that my budget doesn’t buy a new amp with the right specs for the LRS+ so I am “forced” to look in the used market.

Totally agree with the need to buy a brand that still exists, although I have some less happy experiences that way, with active companies no longer supporting their past products at all!

Right now, the Hegel H190 integrated and the Ayre V-1x power amp are the less risky propositions, both bought from a dealer, but I would love to have other choices.

audiofilo123 OP
84 posts
 

@cdorval1 at the dealer, I have listened the 1.7i with an EAM integrated (made in Italy) and they sounded ok - it was my first real Magnepan experience - but now, after living with the LRS+ for a month, listening daily, I must say that amp lacked some grip on the speakers, evident in some hardness on the voices on some recordings. Also the room was a bit small for them.


Looks like power and current aren’t necessarily for the Maggies to play loud, but to control the frequencies at both extremes… just what I have concluded so far, am I right?

Surprisingly, on the other hand, I am currently using a Naim Nap 150X (around 75w / 4 Ohms) and it surpasses in control all the >250w / 4 Ohms high current amplifiers in my collection.

 

 

audiofilo123 OP
84 posts
 

@atmasphere that makes sense, Class A amps probably will require maintenance before  other types. That said, my interest lays on 5 to 15 year old amps, after that I consider them to risky.

What are the Class D you have as a reference?

audiofilo123 OP
84 posts
 

@atmasphere thanks, unfortunately they are out of my budget, but must sound great.

 

@milpai yes, the A21 is a beast and I love Parasound gear. I will try to find one used. I believe that they not so common here in Europe.

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