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Refurbish a classic amp or replace it?

I have a Mark Levinson ML3 amplifier that is over 20 years old. It sounds great in my system and I am considering whether to have it refurbished/upgraded. I spoke to one place that only does service and upgrades and was told not to do it and that I should sell the ML3 and use the money (plus a lot more)to buy a new amp instead. If I buy a new amp, it would probably be a Pass Labs. I would like to hear from other members who have had similar experiences. Also, I would appreciate recommendations for where to have the ML3 refurbished/upgraded if I decide to go that route. Thanks
dchazen
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I once had an ML3 for a short time, I found it exceptional in the bass but not good in highs. I would try to borrow another amp to hear in your system to see how it compared to the ML3. If you like the way it sounds now leave it alone. See the current post by the Mac 225 owner who had it upgraded and didn't like the results, you can be sure it will sound different after it is worked on. I would sell it and get a new amp but I didn't like the ML3 and you do. The Pass will sound quite different, why do you think it would be a good match for your system?
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
let it be.
mfb33
15 posts
 
I had a Forte Model 4 that I sold here on Audiogon. Big, Big Mistake!
robertbrown
151 posts
 
The best way to look at is like having a 1984 ferrari or a
2004 ferrari. The 1984 maybe a classic and runs fine but the technology advances in 20 years don't even make it that you can not even campare the two cars and I believe the same maybe true in amps and other electronic equipment.
I have two Plinius amp SA250 and SA 102 they sound great
let me know what you think
6550c
393 posts
 
if it works, why fix it ?
the small amount of $ you get for it will be silly compaired to the cost of a new amp which may not sound any better.

If you really want a new amp buy one, and keep the ML for a back up. (And I would strongly recommend listing to tubes instead of another flavor of SS )
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