2. amps-preamps
  3. 164800-22083

Mark Levinson - refurbish or start fresh

I have a couple of old Levinson pieces...335 amplifier and 380S preamp (and also a 39 CD) that have been in service since 2000 or so...almost always on for the duration...and reliable performance until the 335 went flat.  Technetron is Levinson certified and will fix/refresh the amp...cost dependent on whether they have to replace the large caps.  They could also refresh/refurbish the 380S...but it wasn't clear to me that it makes sense to mess with it until it fails.  (Perhaps it is failing, but gradually so that I haven't noticed.). 

I'm interested in the pros and cons of fixing/refurbishing vs going back out on the market for newer equipment, whether Levinson or otherwise.  Thoughts on either piece welcome.
Ag insider logo xs@2xdorrman8
fixedincome
111 posts
 
I just got my 380s refurbished and I am very happy!  

fixedincome
111 posts
 
I should add that the 380s has a history of leaking caps that can etch the board.  Waiting till it failed was not an option for me.

dnicol
19 posts
 
I'd keep both the amp and preamp, but make sure whoever does the work does not use parts that will alter the sound. The 33x series amps are hard to beat.

I just got my 380s refurbished and I am very happy!


@fixedincome may I ask where you had your 380s refurbished? thanks!
no_money
638 posts
 
repair them and enjoy for another 20 years. ; ) 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
dorrman8 OP
5 posts
 
I appreciate the first argument that old equipment suffers degradation and that, even with selective replacement of caps...and return to measured specs they won't sound as they did, out of the box and broken in.  

However, I'd prefer to put my faith in the subsequent posts that this was exceptionally great sounding and well built equipment that, once refurbished, may continue to deliver exceptional performance...perhaps as good as anything I can get today for under 25k+.  I get that the operative word here is faith...
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