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 1 response by yesiam_a_pirate

yesiam_a_pirate's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
yesiam_a_pirate
226 posts
 

I love tub gear but at 20 years old there will be some issues with sockets, hot resistors and weeping caps. If you are not handy with a soldering iron budget for repairs.

Maggies LOVE Bryston 4B SST or 7B SST (or the cubed series if you have the budget). They come with a 20 year transferable warranty and have great sonic performance. Figure about 4K for a pair of 7B SST mono bocks with 700 watts. I have a pair that I use for my bass drivers and really have grown to love them.  (I use an Audio research VT 130 stereo amp to drive the mids/tweeters) 

More to discover