2. amps-preamps
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Used amps, how to tell if,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I'm interested in buying a used amp and I an only afford  $2,000.00

I'm looking for an amp with at least 100 watts and decent or good or high current. Magnapans 7.1

I've seen some interesting amps circa 1980's 1990's but,

I was wondering how to tell if it's not sounding "right" to me  due to old caps.

1) what would be my recourse?

2) How would or could I tell?

ie if the caps are old how would it affect the sound?

thnax. 

128x128joes44
retiredfarmer's avatar
retiredfarmer
339 posts
 

The Mark Levinson 33 or 33h will drive them no problem but the caps cost more than his budget if he gets them all replaced then there is the labor plus what ever you have to pay for the amp. 

joes44's avatar
joes44 OP
128 posts
 

Just the caps? Jeeze !

Well maybe??????????

I COULD eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a year

.

joes44's avatar
joes44 OP
128 posts
 

Oh I forgot to mention earlier,

I also can't afford Class A amps. 

blackbag20
414 posts
 

Good advice on Odyssey Audio:

I lean toward the Stratos over Khartago ... (with upgrades) within your budget

 

dinov's avatar
dinov
803 posts
 

I don’t think you’d have any recourse if you bought it used. Needing new caps can present in may ways from not working at all, to dull sounding presentation, and a host of other problems. I bought a pair of Mac mc 30s, that one started over heating and red plated my output tubes all because it needed new caps.

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