Class A amplifiers

The weakest link in any electronics is ALWAYS the electrolytic capacitors (also maybe mechanical relays too, but for this specific conversation, they do not quite matter).  One of the most important factors in their reliability is the temperature and the voltage they are exposed to.

In theory, since class A amplifiers run hotter, all else being equal, it is possible that such capacitors may degrade and eventually break down, sooner than they would compared to other class of amplifiers.

However, if the capacitors are chosen to be of a very hi quality (very long lifetimes & very high temperature & voltage capability), AND they are appropriately placed in the amplifier enclosure where they are not always exposed to high temperatures, they could in theory, last quite a long time.

So, a blanket statement cannot be made but it is something which depends on a lot of factors.

Take this capacitor for example, it is extremely well made, have a very long life and they can withstand high temperatures (37,000 hours at 105C).

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/kemet/PEG130MH3900QL1/4918903

If similar good components are used throughout, your amplifier will indeed last a long time too.

mrmeaner13 posts06-13-2021 2:47amI have a glorious Class A Sugden A21SE and it never misses a beat, I contacted Sugden and asked them about having it serviced and he said it’s likely not to need looking at.
In my opinion class A can’t be bettered.

It is a fantastic amp! Mine is driving Tannoy Eatons with no issues. There are original a21’s still going strong 30 years later....Sugden, the very first commercially available solid state pure class A, since 1967. Some very ill informed people post here....notice the gigantic heat sinks that adorn both sides of the A21se...the amp is a brute! It is liquid, textured, detailed, holographic, and powerful...at only 30 watts/40 into 4 ohms....50% larger power supply than the previous A21 model, non se version. Built in the UK by one of only 12 employees...even comes with a tag indicating all who had their hands on it...worth every penny of the $3250 paid. When combined with Tannoy legacy, prestige, or gold series speakers, it is pure sonic bliss...end game combo. Add your own tubed phono preamp and it gets even better...Tavish Design makes some great phono preamps.

coltrane1 I have a Plinius SA100 MkIII that checks all the boxes for me. Balanced or single ended inptuts, selectable Class A or AB operation, beefy heat sinks and top notch electronics. Hasn’t had an issue in the past 20 years of operation! Keeps me warm during the long Maine winters too! 🥶

emrofsemanon:
I’ve recently come a long way on my push-pull, class A, SS, tube, hybrid, SET, SIT amplifier journey.  IMHO, my SET implementation (dual Coincident 845 Turbo’s -28 watt and 94db efficient speakers) brought me closer to acoustic music than any other implementation (of approximately 25 different amp combinations- Bedini, BEL, Threshold, Muse, ARC, Moscode, Counterpoint, etc.). Terms like organic and realistic applied.  The realism of an acoustic guitar was breathtaking. However, the tradeoff was weaker dynamics- somewhat thin sounding on large dynamic swings of rock and orchestral music.  In the end, I settled on an Firstwatt SIT-3.  Nearly as good as the Coincident SET in realism, but with a far superior coherent presentation of the entire audio spectrum. I can say I’m temporarily satisfied.

The OP is asking about Levinson gear.  At least the classic era Levinsons, some of them do cook themselves to death. I have a No.23 and the repair job is going to be near $3000.  The authorized repair center explained that the Levinsons do tend to do that.