[dmo]

Hi,

I was wondering what a reasonable life expentancy for separate hifi components might be? I'm in the middle of a LONG postgrad and so do not have much cash at my disposal. However, I am very interested in upgrading my v. old and dying stereo and would love to start my transition into hifi components.

Clearly, on a low budge this will be difficult, but I have been looking on ebay and found some reasonable kit from time to time. My problem is I do not know what is a reasonable life expectancy for much of this equipment - even at knock down prices, theres not much point bying a cd player thats months from retiring.

Having had to increase the power on my cdplayers laser twice, I know cd players are good for ~6-8 years at regular use. But what about amps, tuners (,recievers), speakers????

For example, one guy here in dublin is selling a v nice looking rig for ~ 1/4 what he paid for it 9 years ago (and not accounting for the rediculeous inflation over that period in this country!). It's a Denon rig - CD player, tunner and amp with v. nice Magnat (tall) speakers.

I wouldn't expect much more from the CD player, but what about the rest??? Is this too old to consider?


Any advice, opinions appriciated.

Derek

 

[Bizzel]

I can only speak from limited experience but I have two components that are at least 10 years old and still going strong - our Marantz CD42 CDP and Pioneer A400 stereo amp. They sound as good as the day they were bought.

I also had an old JVC stereo amp that just died, it used to be my mum's and it's at least 30 years old. The volume fluctuates and the stereo image is unstable so I assume the caps and the volume pot have failed.

Edit: Oh yeah, and our KEF speakers are about 10 years old too and show absolutely no wear at all. I think a good pair of speakers should outlast any source components you buy.

 

[memepool]

Generally it's better to buy separates than mini systems as if one part of it dies (usually the CD player) then the whole thing is junk. Unless of course it's a mini separates system where all the components have individual power supplies.

Speakers last pretty much for ever unless they have foam surrounds which can disintergrate like JBL.

Amps are similarly long lived although the cheaper modern ones from NAD can have problems with caps melting after 5 years or so. I have an original NAD 3020 from 1980 which has been used in a professional editing suite for most of it's life and is still going strong.

CD players epecially the modern ones have a lifespan of maybe 10 years tops. Older 80s ones were better built and are still going strong in many cases but parts can be an issue if they do break down.

more reading here http://www.tnt-audio.com/guide/index.html
and here http://www.hi-fiworld.co.uk/hfw/2ndhand.html

I'd try somewhere like Richer Sounds if they are still on Wellington Quay, they usually have good deals on cambridge audio amps and speakers ( they own the company) .

 

[mrarroyo]

If you buy a good quality or better component and use it regularly it could last you a liftime. I would suggest that since you are in a budget you go to Ebay and get a 70's receiver from Marantz, Technics, Pioneer, etc. It should cost you under $125 including delivery.

Then you could look for a nice pair of bookshelf speakers for under $200, and a Philips DVP642 for about $60. If you do your search you could end up with a $400 system that would sound very good.

 

[dmo]

Thanks guys for the great advice. Very helpful.

On the back of it I decided to bid on that system and got it for significantly less than I had origionally anticipated

. The set up is as follows

Denon PMA-725 R Amplifier
Denon TU-215 Tuner (Radio)
Denon DCD-635 CD Player
2x Magnat Vector 6 Loudspeakers

origionally bought by seller in 1998, the lot for 255 euro (~ US$350, bear in mind that electrical equipment is notably more expencive in europe) thats less than I paid for my cowon D2!

I'm told its all in great condition, but I think even if the cd player is nearing the end of its life the speakers, amp and tuner were a good buy?

Pics attached

 

[memepool]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm told its all in great condition, but I think even if the cd player is nearing the end of its life the speakers, amp and tuner were a good buy?

It looks ok. Denon make good amps and tuners. Never heard of those speakers though. Did you check out Richer Sounds?

 

[dmo]

I've been in richer sounds a few times in the past, but not in the last few months. Along with Peats on Parnell St., it is largely responsible for my desire to aquire a decent hifi system! I simply can't afford new stuff at the moment. Also that package came as an all in one deal - I fear that if was to attempt to buy everything separate, I'd end up accumlating alot of hidden costs such as cables and extra delivery charges.

I can't find any information on that specific speaker model either (which is disapointing), but Magnat appear to have a good reputation.

 

[memepool]

I wouldn't bother with Peats. Richer are the best bang for buck. I'd certainly check them out for a new CD player if you need to replace the Denon. They usually chuck in cables for free.

You'll probably want to upgrade cables anyway. The Cambridge Audio Studio Reference ones are really good and not madly expensive.

Cloney Audio in Blackrock are also good but more pricey and there was a good place in Rathmines called Ceol Audio but I am not sure if they are still there.