[kingdeezie]

So, I recently bought new speakers, and they come equipped with active subwoofers.

Because I am one of the most negative people in the world, and because I'm enjoying them so much, I was wondering (read as fearing for) how long I can reasonably expect them to last.

The plate amps are Rythmik HX580s. Under normal listening conditions of day in and day out listening and switching from standby to on again, how long could they last? 10 years? 15?

[mcgsxr]

I cannot comment specifically on Rythmic's plate amps, but have owned several plate amps over the years.

My first BASH 300w unit lasted about 5 years.  A second has been going that long already - daily use.

I have a Dayton 500w plate (not BASH) that is about 10 years old, and is used 3-4 times a week in the basement HT setup.

[RDavidson]

I've had the same kind of paranoia regarding gear, which I've come to the conclusion will only diminish your enjoyment of it. Here's my take : Nothing lasts forever. Enjoy it while it is working properly. If it breaks, get it fixed. Plate amps are relatively cheap and easy to fix too, if not replace unlike many other things in this hobby. Happy listening.

[martyo]

I've been using my brothers sub for a couple of years with my HT3's and it's always in stand-by when not playing. It's now 9 years old and from a kit from Madisound. Rythmik is top of the line and with the Hypex modules........And you know if there is ever an issue Jim will make it easy.

[Wayner]

Lots of plate amps are class D, and some are not made very well. However, I have seen a problem with almost all plate amplifiers in that their "automatic" circuit "on" sensing circuit goes to hell, then the plate amp will simply not come on. Sometimes, the fix is to unplug it for awhile (like a day) and plugging it in again may restore the sensing circuit. I've had this happen a couple of times with various subs and when I get the circuit to work again, I manually use the on/off switch, switching the amp on when I need it and off when I don't. This seems to keep the sensing circuit at bay, at least for awhile. I have fixed many subs at the local electronics store where I work part time at. I guess you get what you pay for and when that doesn't work, you end up with a broken amp, out of warranty of course........

Wayner.

[HsvHeelFan]

I don't run my old Velodyne subwoofer in sense mode at all.  I turn it on when I'm listening and I turn everything off when I'm done.

The Velodyne is 16 years old and is still rocking along.

HsvHeelFan

[Wind Chaser]

I have seen a problem with almost all plate amplifiers in that their "automatic" circuit "on" sensing circuit goes to hell, then the plate amp will simply not come on. Sometimes, the fix is to unplug it for awhile (like a day) and plugging it in again may restore the sensing circuit. I've had this happen a couple of times with various subs and when I get the circuit to work again, I manually use the on/off switch, switching the amp on when I need it and off when I don't. This seems to keep the sensing circuit at bay, at least for awhile.

That maybe a little inconvenient, but it sounds like good advice.

Last year I was looking at various HSU products both new and on the used market. In a matter of days I saw three different classified ads for used HSU products, all with damaged plate amps. I thought to myself, this isn't good, especially if I am to buy a new unit. So I contacted HSU and they were of the view that this isnt the norm / an issue wth their plate amps as long as they were not being "abused" - whatever that means.

In any case, plate amps aren't that costly, so if the time comes when one may have to be replaced, it isn't the end of the world.

[orientalexpress]

Do all plate amps make with same size and dimension ?just curious

[HsvHeelFan]

They're all different.  You need to be aware of how much room you have if you're thinking about making a change.

Even with the Velodyne, the plate amps vary from model to model in size, features and output.

HsvHeelFan

[RDavidson]

Do all plate amps make with same size and dimension ?just curious

Of course not all plate amps are the same dimensions, but we're talking about wood boxes and relatively small metal plates, some wires, and some screws. My little brother replaced the plate amp in an old sub I gave to him. The amp he bought didn't fit. So, guess what he did? He mounted a new piece of wood in the opening where the old plate amp was and mounted the new plate amp to it. All it takes is a little bit of creativity and craftsmanship.

Another option would be to keep the old amp in place to cover the hole in the sub box, but buy something like a Crown XLS amplifier (which has volume control and crossover settings) and just run speaker wires to the subwoofer (driver). You'd need to maybe drill a small hole in the sub box or old plate amp to run speaker wires through. Very simple.

....but we're getting a little off topic as the OP has powered monitors (or passive towers with just built-in subs, like Def Tech or Golden Ear). Not really an apples to apples comparison to doing a little bit of Frankenstein work to an old sub.

[martyo]

(or passive towers with just built-in subs, like Def Tech or Golden Ear)

Or maybe some beautiful SALK Exotica 3's in Mexican Ziricote.

[steve f]

Got a Rythmik that's got quite a bit of use. No problems at all. I've owned about six different plate amps. None died prematurely. I gave most away. My son's family has been beating a Dayton subwoofer for about five years, and I mean beating. No problems. I suspect it's just luck of the draw.

Steve

Edit: visit either the Horn Shoppe or Transcendent Sound websites. Check out the "Bucket Sub" for the best DIY easy sub project in audio. Follow the directions exactly as stated. Do not follow the instructions on the Parts Express website they got it wrong.

Use a Crown XLS amp for power. You will thank me later.

Steve

[RDavidson]

Or maybe some beautiful SALK Exotica 3's in Mexican Ziricote.

Or perhaps some Martin Logan Summit X's in Birds Eye Maple?

[jtwrace]

My Rythmik plate amps for my servo subs have been going strong for 8 yrs.  Not an issue whatsoever.  Just enjoy your new speakers and stop worrying.  Brian Ding (Rythmik) has been around for a long time and does take care of his customers.  So, if Jim can't for some reason as long as Brian is around I think we're all fine. 

[Angaria]

I can't imagine that living inside a servo sub is helpful to the lifetime of components, so I usually build a compartment inside my subs to shield the amp from the pressure.  None of those have failed, but it's obviously a small sample.

[kingdeezie]

Much appreciated information from everyone that posted here. I was hoping that the thread would be flooded with stories about how plate amps can last for a long time, but it seems my initial fears have been somewhat validated.

I guess I'll contact Rythmik and see what they say in regards to how best to utilize their amplifiers, and just hope that I get long life out of the ones installed in my speakers.