2. amps-preamps
  3. 1316179751

Is there an average life span for a preamp?

I have a 6 year old Adcom GFP-750 preamp that has been used for about 12,000 hours already. Is there a certain point in hours or years when I can expect something to fail? This particular preamp has a passive option which I like and use currently. When used pasively I would thing that it should last forever.Please let me know what experiences you have had. Thanks.

Joe
jjarocki
soulbrass
246 posts
 
I have a Naim pre-amp in my system from 1985 - it rocks! An older pre may require some maintenance or service to perform optimally, but usually not a big deal.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,410 posts
 
Joe - 12000hrs is nothing. The only perishable things inside (other than mechanical switches) are electrolytic caps. Their life is in order of 50years in room temperature. Every 10deg C temp. increase cuts their life by 2 (they dry-out). Since preamps tend to run cold I wouldn't worry for at least next 20 years.
nolitan
865 posts
 
Pre-amps are one of the most trouble free or reliable components of a system.
I've have some friends who has 20 year old pre-amps; while some needed re-capping, others works just fine with just regular tube changes.
Amps on the other hand is another matter due to heat & other variables.
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