Power Amplifier Longevity


Hi All, 
I am venturing into the separate component world and was wondering how long a good power amp typically lasts.  I may have access to some older Lexicon CX and LX series amplifiers.  However, since they are discontinued and nearly 20 years old from what I understand, should I be concerned with how much longer they will last?  If they do need servicing, is this something that is available at a reasonable cost?  Or should I invest in newer equipment?

Budget is a concern for me which is why I am interested in these older (higher quality) amps at a reduced price versus spending the same amount on something newer, but lower quality.

At this time, I have a Marantz AV8802A and Vienna Acoustics speakers. 
Main L/R - Mozart Grand
Center - Maestro Grand
4 Surrounds - Waltz Grand

I thank you in advance for any advice provided on this subject.
Brian


brianb339
I do like the sound of the Marantz and one of my intentions for picking up this unit is for the Atmos capability that I may implement down the road. 

Thank you all for your advice and information.  Much appreciated.
If you look at what is inside each component you will see a few things that stand out. Circuit boards, power supply capacitors, transformer, etc. Power supply caps are not that expensive like Nichicon, resistors and capacitors vary in cost depending on the brand and what you are trying to accomplish in sound. The circuit boards can go bad over time depending on the heat. All that being said, almost all components can be repaired/modified/upgraded. So IMO servicing is available and it can be reasonable.

I would not trade in the Marantz if you like the sound. I would only trade it in if you find something else that you like significantly better. If you think that it is not up to today's standards, send it to me for upgrades.

Trading it in for a newer amp does not mean that you will get better sound, just maybe different and that will not mean longer life either. Most components are similar in build so there are a few common upgrades that can make a significant difference for very little money. A recent example was a DeHavilland preamp I just worked on. I had already changed the transformer, volume control, added V-Capacitors, etc. The owner loved the sound but it was slightly warmish sounding and lacked a little dynamics. Changing out two resistors from the Allen Bradley to Audio Note gave it the snap he was looking for, quieter, more dynamics, more details and ore open sounding. You won't get that from any cable change that is for sure.  Less that $50 with parts.

Most of the comments here are from people who don’t really know that upgrades can be more effective and not that expensive and the component can be taken to another level of much higher priced components. Most components are built to a specific price point and not an all out build with the best parts, etc.

Happy Listening


It's all about the cap's . The cap's will dry-out, in older equipment 20 -25 years old you can bet they cap's are dried-out. Find and old school repair guy in your area - recapping the amp and you will be in-great shape. 
My advice would be to go much much simpler and newer.

Get an Anthem MRX 720. Add a stereo amp if and only if required.

Trade in your Marantz, and avoid the amp jungle.


It depends on the quality of the original - how good are the parts? How conservatively are they used/specified?  I have 100s of products out there and the basic answer is "30 years and counting".
The limiting factor in a good product is electrolytic capacitors.  20-30 years, iff they are very good and run well below their rating, is typically life.  But i've pulled 30 year old caps that are leak-free and working well.
You *can* have it re-capped but that is labor intensive and costly. I've recently done or had done for folks, about a dozen.
Or, of course you can play some roulette and let stuff fal and then fix it. The concern with unfused speakers is that you could do some downstream damage.
All my main gear is 25+ years old (of my own design, mostly prototypes that I keep) and works a treat. Of course i have friends in low places.
G
So it seems the caps are the main concern.  Are these serviceable and if so, does the investment make sense to service or buy new at that point?
Also depends on how well the unit was tacked care of. People tend to confine their equipment to small closed in spaces with very little ventilation. Heat will greatly reduce a component life span.
Yes, I failed to mention that my Mozart Grands will most likely be powered separately by a Wyred4Sound ST-500 class D that I already have.  So the Lexicon CX or LX will power the Center and Surround Channels.  The LX-7 is attractive as it appears I could bridge channels for the center speaker for more power there and run the 4 surrounds from the remaining.

Yes, the Marantz is a Pre/Processor.  Model AV8802A.

Thank you
Are you looking for an amp for the L/R speakers or for all 7 channels? Is the Marantz a pre/processor? 
I would certainly look at current Pass 250.8 etc as an old amp will need new caps. Pass is very reliable with great resale. Good luck.