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?