I think that sometimes. Maybe I'm just lucky. I think it's more than luck though, it's because there are still companies in the US that make quality gear and that's what I have always gravitated toward. Made in USA. I just traded my Sota turntable in for a new one. They manufacture almost every piece except the motor in house in their WI factory. Full Woodshop and Machine shop. The motor is also made in USA. I expect it to outlive me...
How long should components last?
About 7 or 8 years ago I bought two tube components. A cd transport and DAC.
About $4,500 each back then so who knows how much they would cost today.
After 5 years ago they started breaking down. The transformer failed in the DAC and as the european manufacturer had discontinued the component it had to be made from scratch in Italy. Of course it took months to get it made and sent to the US where the component had to be repaired. The Dac had to be repaired twice since then. I finally said enough and bought another brand.
Same with the transport. After 5 years continuous problems.
They sounded great and certainly looked the cost. But I had the impression that they were like German luxury cars with a perfectly timed obsolescence. After which you have to buy another one or they turn into a money pit.
Unfortunate because when they worked they were wonderful.
I can't name the brand because I'm sure the thread will be removed.
Has anybody else had this problem? For such expensive components I thought they would last longer and would not turn into such a problem when they needed to be repaired. Is this normal?
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one of my 1st amplifiers... Bryston 4b NRB was purchased 1990 and still works. I use it as an amp connected to a Denon home theatre receiver to drive the main front speakers . Still use on a 2ndary system a BAT VK 30 preamp. Sound is tiull warm and airy. Gives you an idea how long quality products can last. Really depends on how well you maintain your product and what type of product it is. Class A products run hotter so recapping and servicing are essential.. tube products will require constant monitoring for microphony. I have a California Audio Labs CD player from the 90's that will still produce high quality audio. Some products are known for their longevity. Budget at least in my experience is not always a determining factor into electronic component longevity. And Yes i will have to agree with allenf1963 that North American products are built to last. I have friends that spent 40K for amps Germany & Switzerland that have failed in less than 8 years of use. |
In contrast to the AV receiver experience I wrote about, in 1980 I purchased a new Mcintosh MC2125 power amplifier. In about 2005, I had it refurb'd with new caps, an LED replaced, and a few other minor items replaced. The cost was very reasonable. In 2022, I traded that fully functional and cosmetically almost pristine amplifier for a newer amplifier. Most of my electronic components (Rogue, Odyssey, Lounge Audio) were made here in the USA, and they seem to be built for the long-term. |
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