[rustneversleeps]

First off, the amp's serial # confirms it was made in 1996, a 500hc.

>>>>Even if the Cambridge were "4 times better" than the AMC, that says absolutely nothing about CD players in general.<<<<<<

About the CD players, if you still own an early generic CD player from the early 90's, and compare it to the one that costs $80 off the shelf at Best Buy, I bet it will sound better the early 90's CD player. Technology does progress folks.

What's with this computer stuff? I have never mentioned computer in my past posts. I've mentioned electronic in general, like VHF, UHF radio, automation, telecommunication, laser, and so on. But if you want to bring computer into the picture, just tell me how much you paid for a 233MHZ laptop in 1998 and how much you will pay for a 2.4G laptop today.

If one says audio amp will never be obsolete, does it mean we'll never need upgrade?

I do agree that audio technology probably reaches it's peak some years ago, and there will be no more major break through, in this case, audio electronic product should be like any other electronic product, we should be paying for a lower price for a better product, because manufacturers should be able to build their product with greater efficiency. The price curve of "high end" audio electronic product doesn't seem to be going in that direction because of the small market audiance.

[avahifi]

Old parts?

Remember that we put at least a one year new parts and labor warranty on all the used equipment we sell, along with our standard 30 day satisfaction guarantee.

If we felt that we were going to take significant failures in normal use of any of the inspected, tested, and fixed as necessary used AVA equipment listed here, we would be fools to offer such an unusual used equipment warranty.

We build to the greatest extent possible, with parts that are run significantly within their maximum ratings, and with fault tolerant designs that do not have catastrophic failures under normal user screwups. Thus we would suggest that the old parts issue is red herring.

The units are priced essentially in comparison to our new equipment of the closest comparison, taking into consideration age, performance, and future upgradability.  Thus a 20 year old original unit with still outstanding performance in excellent condition (especially since our circuits installed, the heart of the unit, is much less than 20 years old) such as the Super Pas Three listed now, will command a reasonable price used.

Finally, if you don't like it, don't buy it, lots of luck finding equivalent performance and a solid factory warranty elsewhere.

Frank Van Alstine

[Zheeeem]

Strange thread.

I have a ~20 year old AVA amp and preamp in PAT-5 and Hafler 220 chassis.  They spent 10 years in boxes in the attic.  Two years ago they went into the HT, which my spousal unit leaves on for 12+ hours a day, every day.  Usually longer because she falls asleep in front of the TV pretty often.  The attic is alternating hot and cold, with bouts of 100% humidity.

That they still work is remarkable.  The funny thing is that, well, I actually assume they will keep working for a long long time.  I don't make the same assumptions about non AVA equipment.  My experience over the past 30+ years is that I have never had an AVA piece fail, but I have had lots of other things fail.  So what do I assume from this?  That AVA gear is rugged and built to work within specification.

Do Frank's newer circuits sound better?  Yes.  Frank's new hybrid stuff sounds much better than Frank's old solid state stuff.  That said, our HT rig sounds pretty good.  In fact, I have never heard the speakers (tympani 1(U)s) sound any better.  Of course, the main reason for that is the maggies really are not very good speakers by today's standards.  However, they are just fine in their current application.  Would this setup benefit by getting brand-spanking-new top o' the line electronics?  Absolutely not.  It's the "weakest link" phenomenon.

The choice to buy used gear depends largely on (1) cost, (2) performance needs and (3) longevity, with the first 2 being primary in the case of AVA.  I think that Frank does a great service to his customers by reselling equipment with a warranty.

[dilznoofus]

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