I have a very old Zapco 100watt amp. I'd say at least 10 years. It still works fine as I am actually using it for my front components.
I am curious how much the sound quality may have degraded over this much time, though?
Whats the average turn over time for the life of an amp, as far as sound quality is concerned?

Thanks,
Scott

from a ZAPCO amp you could probably expect NO deterioration in SQ as it is fully discreet and well built. I would say use it because they are great amps.

I'm using a JBL amp that I bought in 1993, which survived a 8x rollover down a 250' embankment in 1995 (I shook the dirt out of the amp afterward), has been installed in 4 vehiicles now. About three weeks ago one of the channels started cutting out. I think it's almost time for a new amp.

I'm running alpine amps from 1990 and they will probably work forever. I don't think there is a "too old" when you have good components to start with.

I am 56 and I still use one..ohh..you meant the amp..

I am 56 and I still use one..ohh..you meant the amp..

LOL! I thought the same thing.

But regarding the amp, it might be a good idea to see if it draws any current after you shut off the car. I tried an old amp once and it killed my battery overnight. I told myself never again. But then again it wasn't a Zapco.

Thanks fella's....

Scott

The only SQ loss you'll get from an old quality amp is based off of how much new technology has come out since you bought it.

On cheap amps, Heat generated by over powering it can cause wear on internals. I have seen heat related failures on newer lower quality amps in a matter of weeks/months. I have also seen a late model alpine amp run @ 2ohm [only 4 ohm stable] for years without a hiccup. So, paying a few extra $'s can help in the long run....

Your best bet is. If you have older equiptment that you love and wanna keep using, fuse it down a bit to be safe, and only do short burst with the volume at 11.

Just a thought, old amp have a tendency for the caps in the amp "drying" out and changing value... i've seen high end old school tube amps "re-caped" before.... the electrolight in the caps tends to start drying.....

Not common, BUT, it does happen...

Alpine MRV-F353 five-channel, bought in 2000. Hasn't skipped a beat since.

Pioneer Premier GM-X424 four-channel, bought in 1997. Installed in two of my cars, then donated to my brother for his '95 Civic. After it sat in my closet for 3-4 years, the thing works fine.

I have a punch 75 & a punch 75hd,they are from 91/92 & stillplay fine.Mind you I have never pushed them.

These little rockford amps from the early 90's rock.

joe r