Is it possible for a hifi system to feel old ot tired?

[admin_exported]

Does not matter what the system is, but if it is 10+ years old, without a service or seperates changed, is it possible for a system to feel as though it has reach retirement age? I have such a system and feel the sound is not as lively as it was a year or two ago - or is it me that has just tired of the sound? I have heard the amp should be re-calibrated... Any thoughts?

 

[chebby]

JNP:Does not matter what the system is, but if it is 10+ years old, without a service or seperates changed, is it possible for a system to feel as though it has reach retirement age? I have such a system and feel the sound is not as lively as it was a year or two ago - or is it me that has just tired of the sound? I have heard the amp should be re-calibrated... Any thoughts?

Assuming there is nothing actually wrong with the components then it is probably you.

I sold a 10 year old system a couple of years ago to friend. (Rega Luna amp, Kef Q35.2 speakers and NAD CD player.)

I was fed-up with it and yet he loved it. He has his xbox and TV/DVD player plugged in and uses it in his bedroom as a second system.

If I were you I would just start changing it one component at a time until either (a) You hit that 'bingo' moment when it all sounds great again or (b) you end up with a completely new system. Start with whichever component you feel is the weakest link.

If you are fed up with it nothing is going to change that feeling.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm not a firm believer in time = change. Care to tell us the models of your system?

 

[Andrew Everard]

JNP:I have heard the amp should be re-calibrated... Any thoughts?

I think what you've probably heard is 're-capped' - ie capacitors replaced, as these can deteriorate over time in some amplifiers.

Speaker drive unit surrounds can also deteriorate over time, either cracking or stiffening up, which can affect the sound.

In general, though, I think if everything seems to be working well, then leave well alone. Unless you have an expensive set-up, the cost of a thorough overhaul and service could well be as much as buying some new components for the system.

 

[up the music]

Have a go at unplugging everything cleaning sockets and plugs and plugging back in. Use an isopropyl cleaning fluid on your connectors. Check your mains wires are secure, strip your speaker cables back an inch at either end to give it a nice new fresh copper connection.. If you use a turntable it could well be time for new cartridge, belt, bearing oil and set up. If you have speaker stands make sure they're still firm and solid.

Another big factor that may have affected your sytem over the years is the room and positioning within it. Have you changed tooms and/or furniture?