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When is an amp ‘just too old? ’ To buy?

Hello sports fans!!

I’m seriously tossing around the idea to get into another amp (s) as I’m simply not playing mine as I should. 20 hours in the last year or so is about all. I’ve been using both my office and now BR systems far, far more as they’re handier and simpler to manage now.

Switching speaker wires, and re-checking bias from extended lengthy periods of non use causes me to not use my monos enough to keep them or so Im thinking.

Add to that my vision is apparently going away now at a faster clip than I’d prefer too …. It all adds up… so there they sit. 20 hrs. over a whole year. It’s embarrassing.

So I’m thinking SS. Or self biasing amps now as replacements, IF I decide to go that way and it’s looking more & more as I will.

I’ve always thought amps under 5 yr and preferably under 3 or less, as the ones I’d prefer to take a shot with, but am seeing more and more amps now with 5, 6, 8, 9, even 10 years from date of production and am wondering, just when is an amp (s) old enough to forget about or when one should really consider some other amps.

Do you all feel SS amps have a different criteria than do HS amps in terms of longevity?

Or is it vice versa, with tube amps lasting longer, generally speaking?

How old is just too damn old! As it relates to amps for sale… in your opinion, of course????

Thanks much.
blindjim
blindjim OP
2,837 posts
 
Tvad
The thing is this .... I'm not looking for an amp to use 20 hrs a yr.

I got that already. See above.

What I'm thinking is to get a very nice sounding amp with hands and eyes free operation. Stereo or monos... SS or HS. The latter naturally then has to be self biasing.

2500-3500... probably around $3K to be certain... and probably SS this time around. Iron fist... velvet glove... yada yada... SE/RCA for sure... XLR ok too if RCA is in place. 200wpc or a bit more wouldn't hurt.

Hybrids with rolling tubes OK too, if over 175wpc or so.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I'm confused by what you own, what you use, and what you need.

You wrote:
I’m seriously tossing around the idea to get into another amp (s) as I’m simply not playing mine as I should. 20 hours in the last year or so is about all.

… so there they sit. 20 hrs. over a whole year. It’s embarrassing.

So I’m thinking SS. Or self biasing amps now as replacements...
That reads to me as though you're looking to replace the amps that you're using for 20 hours a year.

Sorry for my failure to understand your requirements. I'll leave it to others to help.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Blindjim, if I understand correctly, your deteriorating eyesight has caused you to stop using the 20-hour-a-year-amps because they require eyesight acuity you no longer have.

Is that right?

If so, there are many possibilities, although my original suggestion still stands.

I wish you good luck on the search. I am certain you will make a well-studied choice that fulfills your needs.
jallen
502 posts
 
I would not buy a 10 year old amp from anyone but Bryston as the warranty covers your arse if there is a transistor meltdown. Some well known names cost as much to repair as they sell for used. Then what do you have?? An amp which is worth half of what you paid. If that works for you go for a SS amp. With tube amps, age is not an issue in the same way. They will need caps or tubes replaced, occasionally wire, and if they have a board then they are very high risk as the tubes are too hot and make the boards brittle. For tubes go point to point, meaning Quicksilver or another point to point maker. SS, back to Bryston. Their warranty is what all SS manufacturers should be doing if they want us to stay in this hobby for 20 years and more. If it won't last 20 years, why does it cost so much? Jallen
ngjockey
1,042 posts
 
My comfort zone for a used, rugged SS amp is around 5 years old, assuming I'll hold onto them for another 5 years at least. Bryston, Simaudio and Classe seem to hold up. Strange... all Canadian A/B heavyweights. Probably shying away from Pass, Krell and ML just because of the brand power, budget and related age.

In the listings, I noticed a 14B SST, W5's and CAM 350's in your price range. Also, a Plinius SA-100 mkIII, Coda S1's and a BAT VK-500. All very good.

Didn't think the Sonata's need that much power. Can't have too much. Good hunting.
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