How long do integrated amps last?

[basicchannel]

Hello

I have a 40 year old QED A230S amp (from my first separates hi fi system, 18th birthday present - the accompanying Dual 505 turntable and Wharfdale Diamond speakers long since gone)

It still works fine (and sounds great), and currently ampifies my home workstation desktop PC and my Digital Audio Workststion

Should I expect many more years out of it?

 

[nopiano]

I would say, no you probably can’t expect many more years, but you might be fortunate that it stays in working order for a while longer.

I believe certain components, especially capacitors, have a finite lifespan, or at least are likely to drift out of spec over time. Then that either causes issues elsewhere, or may change the performance notably from the original design. Any number of other issues might occur, in switches or potentiometers (usual the volume control), or the power supply.

It’s possible that any repairs would be uneconomic unless you have the ability to DIY. Meanwhile, most kit in my experience works more reliably when used frequently rather than being stored, especially in less than ideal places, like lofts or garages.