Tony L
Administrator
I’d certainly add Klipsch to that list and Ohm Walsh too. You can still service/get suitable parts for a 1948 Klipschorn! I suspect classic Conrad Johnson and Audio Research are very serviceable too.
Longevity
- Thread starter Darren L
- Start date
I’d certainly add Klipsch to that list and Ohm Walsh too. You can still service/get suitable parts for a 1948 Klipschorn! I suspect classic Conrad Johnson and Audio Research are very serviceable too.
Bob Edwards
pfm Member
CJ and ARC - not so much, sadly . . . And don't even mention Levinson, Krell, etc.
Tony L
Administrator
IIRC there are schematics for the classic CJ and ARC, and there is no magic in them. It is all just valves, resistors and capacitors. The CJ stuff is full of film caps too, so should really last. Early ML are notoriously awkward with sealed modules etc. Annoying as I’d likely have tried some by now if it was more serviceable. Folk do seem to service classic Krell ok.
For me the key isn’t manufacturer support, it is whether the documentation and suitable parts are available, e.g. I’d rate a Leak Stereo 20 as fully serviceable even though Leak haven’t existed for 50 years or so. You could even get dead transformers rewound should you wish, the knowledge and skills are out there, as are the schematics.
James
Lord of the Erg\o/s
Most kit using generally available discrete semiconductors (i.e. not proprietary V-FETs) can be serviced. Loudspeakers constructed with durable drivers (no foam surrounds to rot or ferrofluid to dry out) and film caps can last decades. Except for the digital components, all of my kit are at least 30 years old. I have no reason to think they can't last another 30 years.
Folkman
pfm Member
A double garage conversion should be a good size and as its going to be a dedicated music room , that's what i would be concentrating on first.
Depending on what sort of final room you are looking at , there are many things you can do with the conversion . Door and window position , floor and ceiling construction , insulation and heating , positioning of mains sockets , and acoustic treatment .
Cant fault the idea of the Rega Isis though. built to last and with Regas fantastic backup. That's my final cd player.
If you were looking for larger new speakers then PMC are worth listening too , with their 20 year warranty.
Darren L
Egalitarian
Thanks for all the feedback guys, yes @Folkman I will be concentrating on the conversion first although as there is rooms above the garage and I wouldn't be on for trying to make it bigger I am restricted to a certain extent, but I'll definitely be looking at all the things you mentioned in your post first and foremost.
I'll probably opt for windows on the frontal aspect of the same size and spacing as the front of the house ( it's an old stone house with sash windows) , as to make it look like less of a garage conversion , there only is one other small gable end window which I'd like to commission an encapsulated stained glass pane for, I'm undecided about whether to close up the rear pedestrian door, it may be handy to keep it for access although the garage is accessible from within the house.
Insulation and heating will be a priority, I'm considering an underfloor heating system for this space but may opt for radiators, perhaps traditional cast radiators, insulation will depend upon the existing construction, I'm not sure if the adjoining garage is a later addition to the property, I think it is, hopefully it will have cavity walls, if not I will dry line the walls with sufficient insulation and perhaps use a variety of cladding or facing materials, perhaps natural stone, etc.
I will install a dedicated mains ring and have the power outlets positioned appropriately for the system. Luckily I'm capable of doing all the construction related work myself to high standard as I've 30 years experience in construction and I'm super fussy.
I'll probably opt for windows on the frontal aspect of the same size and spacing as the front of the house ( it's an old stone house with sash windows) , as to make it look like less of a garage conversion , there only is one other small gable end window which I'd like to commission an encapsulated stained glass pane for, I'm undecided about whether to close up the rear pedestrian door, it may be handy to keep it for access although the garage is accessible from within the house.
Insulation and heating will be a priority, I'm considering an underfloor heating system for this space but may opt for radiators, perhaps traditional cast radiators, insulation will depend upon the existing construction, I'm not sure if the adjoining garage is a later addition to the property, I think it is, hopefully it will have cavity walls, if not I will dry line the walls with sufficient insulation and perhaps use a variety of cladding or facing materials, perhaps natural stone, etc.
I will install a dedicated mains ring and have the power outlets positioned appropriately for the system. Luckily I'm capable of doing all the construction related work myself to high standard as I've 30 years experience in construction and I'm super fussy.
Sue Pertwee-Tyr
Accuphase all the way down
In my experience ceilings in garages are low, which could be a limiting factor. I’d prefer a ceiling >8’ for a dedicated listening room, if it were me. Have you the capacity to dig down a bit, if so?
Darren L
Egalitarian
I don't know the ceiling height but no real issue with digging down apart from the graft involved
My current garage has an 8' 6" ceiling, I'd assume that's typical, I may have to dig down a little to tub or chemically damp proof anyway.
Sue Pertwee-Tyr
Accuphase all the way down
8’6” is great, but not usual, IME. (My experience may be wrong, obvs). I’m more used to seeing roof trusses around the 6’6” - 7’ level.I don't know the ceiling height but no real issue with digging down apart from the graft involved
My current garage has an 8' 6" ceiling, I'd assume that's typical, I may have to dig down a little to tub or chemically damp proof anyway.
Folkman
pfm Member
No matter the ceiling height , acoustic treatment on the ceiling is often given little consideration.
I treated mine [9ft] with 2 panels at the first reflection point and it made a noticeable improvement. Only latter did i add another 4 panels and got a much bigger improvement , really changed the feel of the room for the better.
So if you can do it , its highly recommended.
I treated mine [9ft] with 2 panels at the first reflection point and it made a noticeable improvement. Only latter did i add another 4 panels and got a much bigger improvement , really changed the feel of the room for the better.
So if you can do it , its highly recommended.
Darren L
Egalitarian
Definitely something I'll look into.
Gervais Cote
Predator
Bryston used to offer a 20 year no condition warranty many years ago so interesting to know if they still do.
Gervais Cote
Predator
I can confirm that a Supernait is much more difficult to service than a NAP 110 as they have multiple surface mount components.
Mine broke while still under warranty and Naim replaced the whole board instead of the faulty part............that tells me a lot.