Can the sound of SS amp deteriorate over time??


Would like to know if the quality of the sound of a "high- end" solid state amp can deteriorate over a period of 10-15 years. That is, the the bass sounds less tight and controlled, the sound is less clean and clear and imaging is less focused and precise. I realize that a tube pre-amp or power amp are subject to this deterioration in sound depending on the quality and condition of the tubes.... Need some technical advice
sunnyjim

Showing 3 responses by sean

Yes, electrical products can and do shift operating parameters over an extended period of time, especially if tempurature swings are involved. Sometimes, a simple alignment is all that is needed, sometimes parts need to be replaced and then an alignment will solve the problems. It all depends on the original design, how well that design was implimented, the environment of the gear ( in terms of ventilation and exposure to dust / airborne debris ) and the operating patterns that it has to deal with.

I get some units that come into work after 30 years that work and look like new. I get some other units that are two years old and look / work like they should be put out of their misery. As such, even a poor design can last a long time if it is babied and a robust unit can be falling apart if thoroughly abused. Most units are somewhere in the middle and therefore don't need a lot in order to bring them back into spec. That's why companies like Bryston can give the warranties that they do. Sean
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Porziob: Thanks for clearing that up for me. I, my annnually calibrated test equipment ( HP spectrum analyzer, tracking generator, AF & RF signal generators, Tek scopes, etc... )and the experiences of the mass majority of my customers must all be mistaken. I guess that i'll have to start denying the differences that the customers experience and what i can measure, based on your above testimony.

Qdrone: It is my personal belief that leaving equipment on causes less stress than power cycling it up and down on a regular basis. That is, so long as their is more than adequate ventilation for such and "dust bunnies" that can accumulate both on and in the gear are addressed on a somewhat regular basis. Not only that, but i think that most gear sounds better too. Obviously, this is just my personal opinion, so take it for what it is worth. Sean
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Eldartford: In effect, the systems that you discussed are tempurature and environment controlled without being exposed to transient power variations. As such, i would expect most any reasonably built product to last a long time and work properly when called upon to do so.

Outside of those conditions and getting back to the real world, where thermal swings and power transients exist on a regular basis, i'll stick by what my past experiences have shown me. Sean
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