Is age bad for solid state amps?


Hi everybody,
I am interested in get an Audio Research 100.2 amplifier.
As I know, the production of these amps was from 1998 to 2003.
I wonder if transistors, capacitors and other electronic parts have some deterioration with age.
Thanks.
cinequadom
Any local tech should be able to recap the amp for you, if you are at all adventurous you could do it yourself as well. As Jaybo said it is possible it will be in fine shape, it could possible go many more years.
at least one manufacturer recommends replacing capacitors every 10 years or so. Many mfg's though say don't bother til they break. Most other parts are good for nearly ever I believe, except maybe panel lamps, or electro-mechanical components such as switches.
yes yes and yes..caps go bad transitors die a slow death and all other parts including boards have there own life cycle.Just like us.
Yes, but probably not a worry for the age of the amps your considering, and they usually can be refurbished, especially with an established brand like ARC.
1998 is not old for an amplifier. Caps have a lifespan of 20 years or so. (small ones can fail at anytime, but the big ones usually last 20 years or so)
The ARC has a great reputation for quality, and for doing good repair work. I would not hesitate to buy an onlder Audio Research product if it was what i wanted.
(I do own an Audio Research Sp-15 preamp, and an Audio Research phono PH-2)