How do we check the condition for an used amplifier?

How do we check the condition for an used amplifier?

What should we take care of?

see whether any rust on the pcb

whether leaking caps etc.

Or worst case for any used tube/valve amps : Wax leakage on output transformers !!

If a proper checking to really take place, u need to open the cover. Check for any sloppy repair, (example: glue gun glue being used, dropping of solders, wire tie cut out inside). Not all amps are free from repair. And most second-hand amps on the market may have gotten repaired somehow. Ya Rust on PCB links.


Best thing is, dont buy anything too old; like 10 yrs. Except u intend to rebuild or restore it.

adrian4454 wrote:


Best thing is, dont buy anything too old; like 10 yrs. Except u intend to rebuild or restore it.

The pre and power amp I bought on ebay from Scotland recently is more than 20 years (June 1987) and it is in excellent physical and working condition.

Before buying I requested for additional photos and this very nice and honest guy even dismantled the units and took photos of the interior. Everything inside was original and in excellent condition.

I guess if want to buy old amps, make sure seller is willing to open up for checking of the interior to see if all parts are original.

hi tycham, ur member pic is so cute. he must be enjoying ur 20 yr old amp v much. .sorry to be out of topic.

my friend bought a Sugden A21 built in 1967

condition is tip top!

We might also need knowledge on the original designs of the item that we are buying, right?

We hardly know whether the electronic components have been replaced or repaired previously.

An experienced electronics person can tell if an amp is repaired or not. Yes it takes experience by looking carefully at solder joints and inspection of electronic parts that may reveal some upgrade or mods somewhere in its life. There's always high chance of tell tale signs on repair jobs seen at the pcb solderside or point to point joints and replaced parts if any. Of course if there's a known history, it helps. As with anything else, if repairs and mods are done well, there shouldn't be premature failure or problems.

I realise that our country is high humidity and can corrode metal parts faster than those cold/low humidity countries. I came across expatriates amps that even 29 years old nad input output rca jacks looks like new. even internal part is new.

[quote="tycham"]

The pre and power amp I bought on ebay from Scotland recently is more than 20 years (June 1987) and it is in excellent physical and working condition.

Glad you made a good buy.

Could you kindly share your experience how the used hi-fi equipment was imported particularly the Customs clearance. My main concern in buying used hi-fi from overseas is the taxes.

Thanks in advance.

Hi hywong2005

Sorry but I have no experience with Malaysian custom clearances, but I do supposed courier like DHL and Fedex would handle it at a cost like they do for the GST charges at SGD10.00 per item.

hoyhoysum wrote:I realise that our country is high humidity and can corrode metal parts faster than those cold/low humidity countries. I came across expatriates amps that even 29 years old nad input output rca jacks looks like new. even internal part is new.

Now only you realize ah?.. As long as we live in this country, the weather and humidity is one of the harshest ever. Thats why lots of used gear looks terrible only after a few years. Even paint manufacturer dare guarantee exterior paint for only 5 years, no more.
CD's become mouldy, LP covers fade and mouldy too all after some years.
Have to find a way to reduce humidity and costly. Migrate?

No need to migrate, just use it as an excuse to buy new thingslah. Why keep old things?....tell that to me i keep old things look at my avatar...hehe