2. amps-preamps
  3. 191209-179778

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 2 responses by cdorval1

cdorval1
28 posts
 

I was in a very similar position about 7 years ago, looking for a used amplifier that would easily drive Magnepan 1.7s.  I tried a Bryston B60, Hegel H2O, and a Devialet Expert 200.  They all worked well and sounded very good, and they are all in your price range used. My preference, and what I’ve stuck with, was the Devialet. But that’s me. You’ll have your own personal preference.  Each of these units was about 5 or 6 years old when I bought them, and they all were very dependable. I’m still using the Bryston also. 
 

enjoy!

cdorval1
28 posts
 

@audiofilo123

Yes, it’s interesting that amps that aren’t as powerful can sound better. I think it’s roughly correlated with damping factor.  The Bryston, with 100w into 4 ohms, sounded very good indeed.   Its damping factor into 4 ohms is about 250.  Always best to listen first, of course.  If you can’t hear an amp with the Magnepans, the best bet would probably be amps with very low output impedance/high damping factor.  Enjoy!

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