Amplifier's age


I see posts about an amplifier's age and how it's getting long in the tooth. What does that mean? If you maintain your equipment, caps etc., it's well made to begin with, it doesn't use rare transistors and such what difference does it make? Maybe a new amp sounds better, maybe it doesn't. I see amps especially SS McIntosh amps that were made back at the dawn of transistor technology still plugging along. Some tube amps are 50-60 years old. Is it because we always have to find the next thing?
128x128digepix

Showing 1 response by bifwynne

Digpix, many of our EE techie members have spoken about aging electronic components numerous times on the Forum. Csontos is right on with his comments.

Certain components degrade over time -- period. Even if a component hasn't failed, it may have drifted from its intended value with age. You didn't mention the amp you had in mind. If the company is still around, you might be able to send it back to the factory for an overhaul.

I own some 30-40 year old Crown amps. Sent both back to the factory. You'd be surprised how many little "this's and that's" were replaced. The cost was very reasonable. The Crown folks explained that there were still some "old head" techs around who knew the old gear like the back of their hands. That's the reason for the quick and reasonably priced overhaul.

Just a suggestion.