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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 2 responses by mijostyn

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,156 posts
 
Fix it and sell it. The very best equipment should be good for 20-25 years. Cold equipment generally lasts longer than hot equipment. All other things being equal an AB amp will last longer than an A amp. But a very well constructed A amp may last a very long time. In line level stuff it is usually switches and pots that go first. As far as performance and durability go, technology moves on very fast. If you have the financial capability, redoing a system is a lot of fun and given the advances in digital technology one might approach the problem differently.  
My own dictum is once a piece blows it is time to move on. 
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,156 posts
 
Timlib, most people do not rebuild stuff themselves hence rebuilding stuff costs money and I guarantee that the rebuilt stuff will require more rebuilding before the new stuff. If you know your way around a soldering iron making old stuff work is fun. I have my first real preamp my Marantz 7C that I bought used in 1970. I have kept it in working order for nostalgic reasons. It was a remarkable piece in its day but it can’t hold a candle to even inexpensive modern preamps. 
You either have a passion for music and this endeavor or you don’t. You want to make the best use of your money to achieve the best results. Spending money on outdated equipment does not make sense if there is better new equipment within financial reach. As for wives you just ask them if they would rather have you chasing women or turntables.
timlub, great that you make your own speakers. Most do not realize that with a little tinkering you can make a first class speaker for relatively little money. 
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