Accuphase A100 monoblocks.

[magoo]

Originally Posted by antipop

(it's easy to say when I'm not the one paying)

I thought the exact same

Although Accuphase does hold it's used value well if prices i see E450's selling for are anything to go by!

[Jerome W]

My mistake. Not demo but regular used units.

The dealer gives a 2 year warranty so I guess they function flawlessly.
Very very tempting !

[Elberoth]

I would be very worried about the conditions of the electrolytic capacitors after all those years. Those amps run very hot be design, which shortens their life considerably. Krell recommends changing the capacitors in their amps every 10 years, if the performance is not to be compromised.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by Elberoth

I would be very worried about the conditions of the electrolytic capacitors after all those years. Those amps run very hot be design, which shortens their life considerably. Krell recommends changing the capacitors in their amps every 10 years, if the performance is not to be compromised.

Thanks Adam.
Interesting information.
And I guess changing the caps on those amps might be expensive. They are inside a metal case like a transfo. Has probably to be serviced by Accuphase and no one else.
Probably around 1000 euros of cost for the pair if not a bit more.

[bvdiman]

Originally Posted by Elberoth

I would be very worried about the conditions of the electrolytic capacitors after all those years. Those amps run very hot be design, which shortens their life considerably. Krell recommends changing the capacitors in their amps every 10 years, if the performance is not to be compromised.

+1

Hi Jerome,
My FMA611 finally started getting static noise after 21yrs of trouble free operation (last year). Turned out to be some drying caps as Elberoth mentioned. As an alternating amp throughout those years (not seeing as much usage as it normally would), idle, being kept in-storage at times and in somewhat humid condition didn't help either. If local, you'd probably want to have a technician check the innards. I'd be a little wary if buying overseas, unless of course you knew the dealer well and can rely on them should anything happen.

*As for sound of Accuphase-A, if you treat (feed/tune) them well, you won't be missing much in ways of tubes.. imho. Best.

[Elberoth]

The performance deteriorates much sooner than you start hearing things like the static nosie you mentioned. Plus, the FMA is a Class AB design if I'm not mistaken, putting far less heat than Accuphase Class A design. The capacitors life is shortened in proportion to heat it is subjected to.

[Xuxa]

1991 vintage is old without servicing. A complete refurbishment should be factored into the acquisition.

At least you are buying in the EU.

[bvdiman]

Originally Posted by Elberoth

The performance deteriorates much sooner than you start hearing things like the static nosie you mentioned. Plus, the FMA is a Class AB design if I'm not mistaken, putting far less heat than Accuphase Class A design. The capacitors life is shortened in proportion to heat it is subjected to.

Yes, I need to send them back to factory to get it refurbished.
The Resolution Series amps are Class-A and put out much heat just the same..

Excerpt from FMA site :
FM ACOUSTICS' exclusive enhanced Class A circuitry is used in all amplification stages, from the discrete (no IC's or op amps), precision balanced, symmetrical inputs to the multiple voltage gain and ultra-linear, high-current output stages. Proprietary design criteria, entirely hand-selected components of the absolutely highest quality (many of them specially made to FM ACOUSTICS' specifications), ultra accurate calibration and the most dedicated craftsmanship result in the finest standard.

*I noticed as of recent, quite a number of superb modern sota brands (CH, Trinity - to name a few) that are adhering by FMA decades old path using similar procedures of extremely tight matching/selecting/tolerance process. And at that, proved surprisingly wonderful things can/do come in small packages.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by bvdiman

+1

Hi Jerome,
My FMA611 finally started getting static noise after 21yrs of trouble free operation (last year). Turned out to be some drying caps as Elberoth mentioned. As an alternating amp throughout those years (not seeing as much usage as it normally would), idle, being kept in-storage at times and in somewhat humid condition didn't help either. If local, you'd probably want to have a technician check the innards. I'd be a little wary if buying overseas, unless of course you knew the dealer well and can rely on them should anything happen.

*As for sound of Accuphase-A, if you treat (feed/tune) them well, you won't be missing much in ways of tubes.. imho. Best.

Hi bvdiman, ( may I ask your first name ? )

Thanks a lot.
Yes, if servicing is not done by Accuphase Germany I will pass.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by Xuxa

1991 vintage is old without servicing. A complete refurbishment should be factored into the acquisition.

At least you are buying in the EU.

Hi Xuxa,

You're right with Adam and bvdiman.
Buying in the EU does not get me protected. The French Accuphase importer does not service units not imported by him. Each country has its own importer.