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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? 

 

roxy1927
mswale
382 posts
 

Vintage guy here, my pre & power amp are 50 years old, have been refurbished by me 2 years ago, expect this stuff to outlive me.

Some of the new surface mount gear, with cheaper power supplies and op-amps, is mostly disposable. Sadly think streamer are a disposable product. As soon as the software leaves the app store, they are useless. 

If taken care of, most things should last at least 10 years. 

 

kennyc
2,916 posts
 

The transformer failed in the DAC and as the european manufacturer had discontinued the component it had to be made from scratch in Italy.

How do transformers fail? Aren’t they simple windings on 2 sides with some winding cores?  Do the cores get damaged?  I’m trying to understand if they wear out from usage or a design flaw

pickindoug
84 posts
 

I can't say my gear has original parts, but virtually all maintenance I've done is preventive.  I have tube amps ranging from 60- 70 years old, a tube preamp (SP3a1) that is 50 years old, and also have CD players that I bought in the 80s that are still working fine without any updates (but probably need them).  A solid state power amp from 1974 that, when adjusted for today's dollar value, cost $8500.  Also have newer tube gear from the turn of the century that is still original, and when I see/hear signs that it's time for a bit of updating, I'll do it.  As for gear purchased new in the past 5-10 years, only one failure, and it was a cheap DAC under warranty.  Based on all I've just said, the answer to your question is very clearly no.  

kymanor1
126 posts
 

Not to mention, Wilson, EMM labs,YG Acoustics, Nordost, Basis, Bel Canto, Cary Audio, Audio Quest, remember Thiel, those speakers are still amazing, Grado,Audeze, and many more.  American audio equipment is amazing!!!!

r27y8u92
63 posts
 

My pre-amp = Onkyo P304, made in Japan in 1989.

I am the original owner.

No electronic issue, but switching (CD <--> Phono).

Sounds almost perfect. Period.

Turntable = Sansui SR-929, made in Japan in ca. 1980'.

Still turning speed is very, very accurate!

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