Older Electronics - When to cut bait? Your thoughts?


Hi - I am looking for your collective insight and advice.  I have a Conrad Johnson PFR preamp and MF2250 amp from the early 2000's.  Ironically, I purchased them because of their CJ tube sound AND yet they were more "maintenance free solid state" vs tubes.  Well, here I am approximately 20 years later and I repaired my PFR preamp for approx. $600 two years ago and my MF2250 just went out.

My question is, at what point is it prudent to cut bait and give up on older electronics before they become a money pit?  In the back of my mind I wonder when the PFR will go out again with some other problem and I am looking at another $600 repair.....by then I would be in it for $1,200 of repairs and that is a good chunk towards a newer model.....PrimaLuna for instance.  I am now very fine with tubes as it seems easier and less costly to replace tubes and I really a warm full sound.

For context, I love(!) the sound of the two units although I expect the same, if not better, can be had for a few grand each with lower risk of repair in the next 15+ years... Again, like a PrimaLuna.

Lastly, I know there is not a hard and fast rule here and the answer is subjectively unique for everyone although, I expect some of you have been down this road before so I would love to get your thought process and logic.  Your personal experiences can help inform my thinking as I ponder what to do.

THANK YOU!  Dave

For added context, although I am not sure it matters, I have:
-JanZen Valentia speakers
-McIntosh CD player, MCD205
-Linn LP12 will just about all the upgrades....money pit here:)
-PS Audio DirectStream DAC
-Moon Audio, Silver Dragon interconnects
-Whatever speaker cables....someday will get something else
butterman

Showing 3 responses by butterman

Thank you.  I think looking (actually listening) for a wow factor with something newer makes sense.  If there is no wow, invest in the fix.....but how soon will it break again will linger in my mind....

Thx
Thank you Tim.  I think either way, I will fix the amp if for nothing else it sounded great and I can buy listening time as I shop.....or I will just keep it.  Thx
This is great insight especially when balancing the cost return equation for an audio purchase.  Think about it.  An amp or preamp costing $20k++ is really only good for 20sh years!  Hmmm, now even if I could afford a $20k unit I would think twice about the enjoyment return I would get over that period for the price.  I have always thought without moving parts they would last forever but I guess not.  

I will also no longer leave my equipment on.  I figured I would skip warm-up by doing so but apparently I am shortening the life.....rrrr, wish I could go back in time.  Does that also apply to class D amps?  I have a kitchen in ceiling system with class D dual mono amps that are always on via Sonos.  Am I shortening their life?

Yes, rebuilding a system is fun but costly and as many of you know the wife factor comes in.  I fee luck to have the system I have already given that.  Thx