amplifier longevity

What I have found as a general rule is that if you can afford it, it pays to buy quality. One characteristic of equipment that sells for premium prices is that it will have quality parts. Or rather, bargain products need to compromise on the quality of the parts. And when you really get into the high end, your dealing with equipment that's made by hand. 

I agree with quality setting you up for service time. I have a Cary Rocket 88 heating my man cave in Winter, and I’ll go to my Marantz 2226B in the warmer months. So far, my Klipsch Forte efficiency likes em both. Ears are happy!

ARC D400MKII going on 29yrs and still kickin azz!

One never hears one ask what the amp sounds Like

I’ve gone  through five amps this month

class d

class ab

class A

tube and SS

v v hard to tell difference 

major conclusion- it’s the quality of the recording!

that a mess

Typically, the most reliable amplifiers are class AB or D SS devices, which are kept ON all the time and which has UNREGULATED big iron SIMPLE power supplies. The reasons are:

- Heat is the number one enemy of any electronics. Class AB and/or class D generates very little heat when there is no input. Minimal quiescent bias currents. Valve amps lose out in this area.

- Keeping it on continuously ensures that the amp does not experience inrush currents, which MAY reduce the reliability of power supply capacitors.

- Unregulated simple power supplies are the MOST reliable power supplies. When SMPS comes into play, reliability will be less.

All the above are more easily achievable in an SS amplifier. So, all things being equal, SS amplifiers are likely to be more reliable.