Is an amp good for life?

Once you have the best is it good for life?

[@gotham61]

I think the question was really more about the lifespan of an amplifier with regard to recapping and servicing, than about system building.

[@joz411no8]

Thanks Paul, I'm glad you said this. One characterization of audiophiles I've heard several times before and take odds with is, the need to upgrade or swap out gear. I think a person can absolutely be an audiophile, who's developed a system they enjoy for decades with few tweaks in between. There are systems out there right now, using components from the 70s and 80s that are likely some of the worlds most musical.

[@SpyderTracks]

100% agree and I count myself in that camp

[@Roof_Pizza]

There's a reviewer on KZbin that reviewed 2 highly regarded amps from the same company but were ~35 years apart. Did he like the newer one more? Yup, Did he find a huge difference? Nope. I used to own the older one and I completely agree with him. I wouldn't go back because of things like subwoofer control and low impedance drive capabilities of the newer ones.

[@PSA78]

I can't remember how many new systems I've listened to through the years to possibly change, and it seemed in some cases things only got worse over time. Starting the route of DIY solved this for me as it's possible to pick both excellent components that's been made for decades upon decades as well as some components that really do have improved. (I'm not rich enough to buy the whole kit from someone like Paul 😂)

[@kevinfreestone9822]

Wise words indeed. To coin a phrase, you are only as strong as your weakest link. Take out each weak link, one at a time. I love your presentations, by the way.

[@kobusbender2896]

I agree with Paul...your speakers are the most important part of your system. I use a pair ESS AMT 1D's since 1995 and thats all I need...for the rest of my life. Phono stage is a modified Beomaster 3000-2 receiver(51 years old)...and from there to a Sonic Frontiers SFL1 pre and a Valve Audio "Black Widow" hybrid tube power amp(also since 1995). I also have a REL Strata in front and aQ150E in the back in a 50 square meter room.

[@paulaj2829]

Hello Paul.. I've been listening & watching your videos fro about 4yrs now & been in touch with Scott fro a lot of that time.. But when you tell me about all the things which can be done & upgraded you never put anyone down with whatever systems or equipment they have & this is something what some of the people who have systems beyond the average guys budget wont help the average guy to find the confidence in what they already have.. because everyone is trying to feel the true music from what equipment they already have but when they hear the cost of top range systems they think " Oh my God " can that be the only way to get the perfect sound.. I will always say if they listen to what you think & feel they would all feel as though they have the best system they have until they want to upgrade to something else & then they will understand that it's not just what money you have but what they have in their heart & mind that they have a system that is great for now..

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Great advice. The only thing with amp selection is it might take a while before figuring out what you like. Once you have it you are good to go and caps can be replaced after 30 years and keep going.

[@Peter_van_bjork]

+1 on that one. Takes some time to find home.

[@Turboy65]

My Krell monoblocks are now 35 years old and though they have been recapped they're running strong. No reason they won't last another 25 or more years.

[@amareshpereira]

Thank you Paul! We are all blessed to have you explaining complicated audiophile jargon in the simplest way! It makes the journey as an audiophile more productive and very much more enjoyable! God bless you! Wishing you and all your family and everyone in the PS Audio family a Happy Easter!

[@analogkid4557]

I have several amps from the 80's and 90's. A bunch of Parasound John Curl HCA's, a Nelson Pass Adcom and a Nelson Pass Nakamichi Stasis amp. They all sound great and work perfectly.

[@bikdav]

That’s a great point about DACs. DAC formats are continuously changing.

[@Durkhead]

I think if you get a dac with usb you'll be set for life

[@n84434]

I listened to this set up at Axpona 2023. Beautiful Sound! I never heard Chocolate Chip Trip sound so good...

[@ThinkingBetter]

In the 1980s in my mid teens I got my first IBM PC XT clone running 4.77MHz Intel 8088 with Microsoft DOS. At the same time I was using my NAD 3020 amplifier, Denon DCD 1500 CD player and Stax SR-34 electrostatics headphones. My computer of today is an M1Max MacBook Pro with a 27" 5K display vastly superior to my first PC; while I'm not sure how much better anything today sounds, or at least the average of today is quite inferior to my setup in my teens. Audio hasn't progressed much overall compared to other tech.

[@tonezou3918]

Paul, one quite similar question: Can a high-end amp last for a lifetime? Can it last for a lifetime without performance drops, or that can be achieved only with serious maintenance through the years? Do these high-end companies offer such maintenance out of the warranty period?

[@Artemis_Prix]

PS Audio does...for a reasonable cost. Just had my BHK 250 serviced and upgraded to the latest hardware and software so that it's on-spec with a brand new one. Cost ~$750.

[@howardskeivys4184]

Speaking from my own experience. In the early 1990s I purchased an £1800 British integrated amp. That formed the beating heart of my rig for 25 years plus and was 100% reliable. It never let me down! In 2017 I made a substantial upgrade to my speakers. I also sent my amp back to the manufacture for a full service. That cost me £185 and was worth every penny. I hadn’t noticed any degradation in performance over the years, but evidently there was, as the performance was much improved on it’s return from the manufacturer. Unless, of course it was ‘psycho acoustic’. This 25 year old British integrated amp was very comfortable, driving my upgraded mid efficiency speakers. However 4 years ago I decided to upgrade my amp. I ended spending almost £13000 on a preamp monoblocks combination. I expected the difference to be night and day. It wasn’t. Not even dusk and dawn. Anyways, a short while ago, one of my monoblocks died. I had to send it back to the European manufacturer for repair. So I temporarily reinstalled that integrated amp. Of course now, I’d been listening to that preamp monoblocks combo for a few years and had become accustomed to their sonic signature. I’ve now been listening to the old integrated driving the upgraded speakers for a few weeks. Yes, I can hear some minor shortcomings. But, it still produces a highly musical and enjoyable sound. That model is still in current production and still retails for around £1800. It now sports a remote control, which mine doesn’t! The big question is:- was the amplification upgrade worth it? Yes! Bearing in mind that the preamp monoblocks combo is 6 times the price of my integrated, do they out perform my integrated by a factor of 6? No! Not even close. I suppose that comes down to the ubiquitous laws of diminishing returns. I have also very recently upgraded my DAC to one more price appropriate to the rest of my system. This constituted a significant performance improvement. I would totally endorse Paul. Speakers make the biggest difference. Spend the big money on them and then build your rig around them.

[@geddylee501]

So what is that amp still in production? I'll try it

[@DjLightwave]

Audio are awesome!!! You are a king in that matter!! thanks Paul

[@Roosville1]

LIfe changed when QUAD bought out the 405 in about 1975 with curent dumping / feed-forward. It was a brilliant amalgimation of ideas, audio and production engineering. A big unbiased Class-B with the bridge providing error correction fulfilled with a pre-biased Class A. No setup in production, or adjustment for life. I still own a custom 405 (regulated pre-stage, 500W PSU, many modifications) and a 306 ( also modified). Can you own them for life, pretty much now you can. Just see how many 405 are still traded second hand. Electrolytic capacitor life is the main variable, and cap construction can be very different. On a 50V rail, cheap would be 63V 85C rated / 2000 hours life. Best would be 100V 105C rated to 40K hours life, which I would expect to outlive the owner.

[@2ChannelAudio]

Love your humbleness... 👍🏻👏🏻

[@Watcher4111]

I have approx 35 years Old pioneer Elite separates. Original, still on original capacitors which doesnt need replacing. And New made in china amps? Will they last 35 years?

[@flargosa]

According to Paul, capacitors drift in value over time, starting at 10 - 20 yrs, depending on the capacitor type. I would guess your 35 yr old amp may work perfectly but the the sound is now affected by drifted capacitor values. I would have the amp capacitors checked and replaced the ones with drifted values to bring the amp up to spec.

[@mornaydelport2181]

I’ve just subscribed and I’m looking forward to viewing your videos. I have a question about headphones. I’ve recently purchased a pair of Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 headphones, and when I listen to them, there’s definitely something missing. I’ve added a DAC, but still the sound isn’t quite right. Would it be useful to "break" them in, and if so, what is the best audio file/track to use for the "breaking in". I’m really looking forward to hearing from you. Many Thanks, Mornay

[@davidfromamerica1871]

You can set those at about 90 db, set them aside for a day playing any normal track playlist. That will break them in just fine. You don’t have to blast them to break them in. I have the Bang & Olufsen H8 headphones I bought when they first came out. Still look brand new, they are well built. I listen to them wired. They are not bass heavy, that is why I like them. I can’t remember if there are 30 or 40 mm speakers in mine. If you are a heavy bass head. The Beats DJ headphones. Those headphones weigh a lot also, they are big, wired only. Those are bass headphones for RAP and Hip Hop.

[@Peter_van_bjork]

We grow up, in hifi we start somewhere but never end, always some improvement to try out, we always hunt for the perfect sound. Because it’s an exciting & funny hobby. I love hifi ❤️😍

[@turboboost99]

Kinda depends on how long your life is, doesn't it? If you're 80, a new amp should easily last the rest of your life. If you're 20, the caps and transistors are going to wear out LONG before you do.

[@artyfhartie2269]

Hifi manufacturers have hit the mother lode with digital audio streamers and DACs. They become obsolete within months and new models are churned out every few months. Like cell phones and laptop computers which they are in many respect.

[@radspeed113]

Ironically I just upgraded my amp today as Paul uploads this

[@richardbrobeck2384]

Speakers are the no 1 thing that I see people go cheap on I always tell them buy the best speakers you can afford and like you said the ampilier is next inline !

[@NateEll]

As far as I’m concerned, I’ve bought my last amplifier - a Pass x250.8. I’ve owned it since 2015 and have zero desire to ever change my amp-

[@steveodian6008]

I have two Fisher TX 1000 integrated amplifiers that are over 50 years old and still work. Also have a Nikki Alpha 1 power amp that is over 40 years old that still works. They sit on the shelf now in favor of PS Audio M1200 monoblocks😄

[@Bassotronics]

Paul is audio gold.

[@ryanmcfarland1900]

Love the videos Paul. Have you ever done double blind tests with and without the regenerator in your room? I guess I don't understand what it's supposed to do to the sound.

[@Paulmcgowanpsaudio]

Yes, of course. Depends on what products are being powered by them. For amps you get a much wider, deeper, soundstage with firmer, tighter bass. For preamps and sources, you get better openness and clarity.

[@raykuiper4979]

Good Day Paul, still watch daily your content, many issues do indeed repeatedly appear in your videos, you as well was as you admitted between the amp and the speaker, which one? I do own the sonic frontier P2 and the matching pre-amp the one your partner had, this amp does last for a lifetime, with my Leak Sandwich it sounds for me , more as satisfying

[@ramires100]

Hello. I have an older analog amplifier and I use the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt DAC, and I am very satisfied with it. I mainly listen to music from my computer or smartphone. I would like to buy a streamer without a DAC, so that I can continue using the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt. I am considering purchasing the iFi Zen Stream. What do you think, is it a good choice, or would you recommend something else? Thank you.

[@davidfromamerica1871]

All you need is a smartphone The new models have the latest audio/ video codecs built in. You can air play, headphones, car audio, home theater, home stereo, cloud storage and it fits in your pocket. 👍😎

[@caseyrevoir]

A proper amplifier was always the most striking difference maker when playing with components in my experience. Sometimes a speaker can 'gloss' over an amplifiers shortcomings, but a great amplifier made anything attached to it sound fantastic. Second was input purity via a good DAC or analog device. A great example of this for me was plugging the computer into that great amp with the PC's built in output. Sounds great! Then switch pretty alright external sound card, SOOOOO much better! Then... take that same war torn Somali Pirate MP3 I tried the other two ways, turn that back into a CD and go drop it into the Old Pioneer 300 CD changer... (insert angel choir emoticon) The CD should sound the worst in my opinion and the only way I can explain this repeatable result is the DAC's in these devices are the tonal difference heard.

[@gtrguyinaz]

Yes. Amps can last a long time. I had a GAS amp for 20 years and it sounded wonderful at 20 years old. And money best spent on speakers.. spent 10,000 dollars 25 years ago on dynaudio C5 and I still have them. Only 2 new speakers I want to get next Magico or FR30s..

[@youtube改名也太難了吧]

Products from Bryston don't need to worry about it. They even have back to future program that renew products decades ago...

[@hifijunkie2570]

Good thing you have those cables off the floor. It will make your amp last longer....🤣

[@davidfromamerica1871]

Even Old Dave has an expiration date. 😀😎

[@Oystein87]

Hegel is a BRILLIANT Norwegian company and use high quality parts. So those should last a looong time👌 And they are powerful and messure watts properly👌😎

[@stefanegger]

I have harman/kardon 980, but the 990 has some problems with ThermalTrak Transistors. I dont think that it will last for a live, but it is what it is. If you want to have the best, you have to deal with things like that.

[@ptg01]

My last amp lasted over 30 years !!!

[@elderinmoi1571]

That is good news 😀

[@Antoon55]

Yeah I still use my 25 years old (recapped) Krell. I tried modern amps but they didn't beat the Krell for me.

[@ericberger6966]

But amps are aging nevertheless, mainly the electrolyte capacitors. Some manufacturer offer refurbishing of old models where some are build till today.

[@Richard_L_Y]

Thought the question was more like 'would a (quality) amp last a lifetime'... basically?

[@Roof_Pizza]

Some say to not turn off your amps, mine has basically run full time for 200,000 hours.

[@cengeb]

Did that with a bunch several Vanalstine pre amps, amps, phase inverters, DAC, Teac, EMMlabs,AVA...and Legacy Whisper speakers.....no reason to spend more

[@biancadupont2931]

Hafler kit, snell speakers still going strong... "audiophiles" sneer or don't know what / who that equipment was from.

[@elasmojones]

haha I thought those in the foreground were humidifiers or something...so I went to the website...oh speakers...

[@mitch19636]

My R-XV3900 is still going. got some noise in the front right channel, caused by mice? about -62db so it's something you can ignore?

[@shipsahoy1793]

The loudness wars still seems to exist with CD remastering in this century, so all all the improved DAC technology in the world is not fixing the incredible vast number of CDs that were remastered very poorly. Somehow need to address this extremely poor mismanagement of that aspect of the audiophile community. I recently came to this realization with some of these post circa 2000 remasters which can currently be heard and furnished by some streaming services. I am actually afraid of CD purchases bc it’s sometimes difficult to know a priori if a disc is a rip-off. I like to own music that I like so it’s always available when I want to specifically hear it. Not liking what I see regarding some releases, old and new.🤬

[@andrewjackson9417]

Doesn't whether or not the amp lasts for life depend on the kind of capacitors they use?

[@DrBroncanuus]

I have some 1998 Tannoy P40 speakers but they have three sets of terminals on the back...does anyone know how I use the extra terminals and what's the point ?

[@avro66]

Grounding terminal for the drive units

[@radman8321]

Nonsense about the power block. It a large expense for no discernible difference to the sound unless your amp has a terrible power supply (or capacitors that are breaking down) in it.

[@SuperMcgenius]

Paul, you forgot the room.😮

[@Foxrock321]

Sure if you keep it serviced and don’t abuse it….yes you can’t have a company without customers,, it’s like a concert without an audience ..

[@lonniefarmer7067]

Thanks!

[@idkisaidit]

Lido missed the boat that day he left the shack…..

[@Thode-R]

Well homecinema dosent keep more than a few years. I got my first one 3 years ago. A startup Sony str-dh590 and my new amp is a Marantz cinema 60 and i hope that will last at least 5 years

[@scottyo64]

I bought a Marantz SR7012 a few years back, and its technology was dated shortly after. It's still good, but technology in home theater is moving fast. I use external amps for LCR

[@Thode-R]

@@scottyo64 i run my Marantz in 7.2 config for now. All diy loudspeakers

[@Watcher4111]

Made in china era amps wont last long. And video amplituners wont last for sure

[@Thode-R]

@@Watcher4111 you must listen wrong at amps.... As they say

[@jwainwright8256]

Amps that good you can wear them as shoes 😂

[@hoobsgroove]

Paul darling You really want to put some open cell foam between those diffusers and behind them as well, get a foam mattress and cut it up see how you get on let me know! Another thing try a ball of 8-10mm blu tack in the middle of the tweeter. You look like Tom thumb stuck there lol

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

You really have no clue about acoustics. Mattresses belong under you and not as random room tunes suggested by one who hasn't stepped into the room nevermind measured it.

[@hoobsgroove]

@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt clearly you don't know what you're talking about and you show yourself to be foolish, I've worked in studios and done acoustic treatment. Go on oh great one enlighten me with your knowledge!!!! why do you think it's a bad idea? Well if you've been following Paul you would know that he was never happy with the room treated by a professional anyway and had changed it the quadratic panels on the back were not suggested in the original design concept acoustics you better take the arguement up with Paul.

[@davidfromamerica1871]

@@hoobsgroove I have seen a number of foam acoustic panels used in showrooms from around the World over the years on KZbin. Paul used foam acoustic ceiling panels in one of his showrooms. Some speakers come with foam speaker covers. There are acoustic panels sold in numerous materials and colors. Some cover the entire walls with acoustic panels and cover them up with ceiling to floor drapes or wall carpet. If you go to a movie theater the entire theater ceiling and walls are covered with acoustic panels. For decades I have traveled the World on KZbin seeing and listening to audio stuff. From minimalistic audio to million dollar audio systems. The Planet is a big place. Take a look what is out there. ps, I subscribed to your KZbin channel 👍😎 Playlist.

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

@@hoobsgroove Oh clearly! 45 years owning reference class gear, 19 years in acoustics, 30 years designing and building Home Theaters says you're a slope browed, one toothed, knuckle dragging, bib wearing, helmeted, durundundun clad imbecile. Tell your caregivers that I really appreciate them. Cheers!

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

@@hoobsgroove BTW there is only one "e" in argument, idiot.

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Coda v3 800w@4ohms & 20.7s 😊

[@johnnytoobad7785]

Jeez..what a sales pitch..😎

[@geddylee501]

Yes 😊

[@geoff37s38]

Paul, you were doing so well with your advice on speakers, but then you spoiled your arguement by pushing your snake Oil Power Plants.

[@wetcat833]

Any quality component in a system is already mostly power filtration and management. The only "power management" I use is a quality power board for EXTRA surge protection. The rest is pure snake oil.

[@howardskeivys4184]

👍

[@MartinManweiler]

Over 200k!!

[@stimpy1226]

For any one out there who thinks that was coming out of their power outlets is great I can only say to you… Lots of luck.

[@erdemkaya6472]

Are you talking about their power conditioner's outlets or the wall outlets?

[@Roof_Pizza]

lolz. How much have you spent on your cables?

[@Shoebutie]

I interpreted the question more as one of amplifier longevity…

[@donpayne1040]

In theory, could the PP's run off a series of batteries? Anyone?

[@tacofortgens3471]

I wouldnt keep byying new cables. Buy a pair of audioquest interconnects and speaker cables of mprrow audio. You'll be good to go.

[@cengeb]

AC power works fine, when you have well made electronics, it's power supply section deals with what it's getting from teh wall....this power nonsense is pure BS. Why ain't none of your stuff UL, ETL, CSA labeled, won't pass muster?

[@joelowens5211]

I still disagree on speakers first if the amp is crap. That will sound horrible regardless of the quality of the speaker.. The speaker will be underpowered and sound bad. Getting a smaller version speakers with good parts and a good all in one literally any day of the week would outperform buying top line speakers with cheap amplification.

[@finscreenname]

You can power good speakers with a not so good amp. You just can't crank it up into distortion.

[@cengeb]

keep those cables off the floor..oy vey...come on

[@paulredding5347]

Out of almost 8 billion people in the world, he thinks there would be less then 200,000 people who enjoy listening to great music. A rather elitist statement.

[@DoomZoone]

First

[@barbedwirerat661]

I suppose, if you like it enough to get it serviced instead of replacing it when components degrade or fail. Hopefully you will be able to find a place that will repair it. I imagine, over time, electronic repair shops may be harder to find.

[@666kty3]

ALL MATTER IS A CONSTANT STATE OF DECAY. ELECTRICAL CURRENT HASTENS THAT DECAY. SO NO. AVERAGE HUMAN LIFESPAN OF SAY 72 YEARS. THERE IS OVER A 99% CHANCE THE AMP WILL EXPERIENCE A FAILURE IN A LIFETIME. SO THE ANSWER IS NO.

[@Mark-lq3sb]

I live in the U.S. the latest data on average lifespan as of 2021 is 77.99 years. How many people buy an amp at birth and live the average lifespan in that country with that amp? I'd bet few to none.