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Old SS amps

What are people's experiences with old SS amps. And I'm talking old like close to 20 years. I guess this can be called vintage(though to me it's yesterday.)

 

Either you bought it new and have had it that long or you bought it used.

Is buying it used a really bad idea even though it was owned by one person with no service issues? Like an old Pass.

I hear something about capacitators needing to be replaced. Should it be avoided like the plague? Am very interested in one but don't want to be stuck with a cat in a sack.

Thanks for any thoughts.

roxy1927
devinplombier
1,675 posts
 

Ive read that electrolitic capacitors dry up, leak, swell after about 15 to 20 years.

@bikefi10 

That’s mostly an urban legend though. Look at your Carver M400: these amps are notably unreliable due to their tight packaging and, well, Carver - yet the caps in it have lasted 40 years.

 

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,844 posts
 

I have a 40-year old Sumo Andromeda 200wpc amp in 24/7 use for the last seven years. Designed by James Bongiorno of SAE, SWTP, GAS, Dynaco, SST fame. All original parts! Sounds fine! Bought it on eBay for $450. 

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,844 posts
 

I have an Adcom GFA-1 and a Carver M400 cube amp in my collection yet to be tried out. Along with several tube amps of varying ages.

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,844 posts
 

Also in present use is a Carver TFM-15cb that I bought fifteen years ago at my local Goodwill for $25. Working fine!

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,844 posts
 

@dynacohum I have some Great American Sound (GAS) gear: two Sons of Ampzilla, a Grandson and a Thoebe preamp. One Son and the preamp need repair.

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