High End HI Fi

[Jeroen]

Have some nice reasons to breathe new life into this topic I guess. I've always remained a huge fan of vinyl and I still cherish my pretty much antique but modified Thorens TD-160 turntable. Has spent a large part of its life on a simple shelf mounted to the wall, but with the entire system on decent stands/racks/spikes etc. I decided the turntable needed the same, so I browsed Marktplaats (the Dutch Craigslist) and found a couple of good old Target TT-1 racks. This got me in touch with a guy not far from my place and I dropped by yesterday. The start was already good with two BMW's in front of the house haha.

He took me to his sound room which was wonderful to say the least. B&W DM802's, two racks full of Naim candy and a Linn LP-12 Sondek turntable in the most advanced setup (the LP12 still is somewhat on my wish list but sofar I've been able to resist it haha). Enough to chat about and I ended up getting my turntable rack for peanuts and he threw in a black marble shelf instead of the stock wooden shelf on top of that. Happy!

I don't spend that many hours listening to my stereo (yup, still sticking to stereo) anymore, but still sometimes you do think about some upgrades. That is the point where you run into a legend... the AudioAnalyse A90 power amp. An absolute jewel delivering 100 watts pure class A per channel, and you don't need central heating in your living room anymore haha! But, well even though the machine has received some kind of an overhaul under the current owner abt 9 years ago, this is an amp that's likely to be abt 20 years old. Most of my equipment isn't that fresh anymore but still... hmmmm almost sleepless nights at the moment hahaha!

[323baur]

Very good to put this interesting thread up.

I had once several audio analyses, but never had any luck with it. A lot break down issues.
I was fed up with all the repairs, and bought my self a very decent Rotel set. After 5 years (just when the warrenty is over)...the 3rd issue has started. My pre amp (rsp 1080) has some serious power issues. I just brought it to Hanex, in Holland the specialist for decent repairs, and waiting for their final conclusions..

[Jeroen]

So your preamp broke down again? Dam! So it doesn't matter what brand you have, you manage to break it anyway haha!

AudioAnalyse doesn't have the best name when it comes to reliability. However, I've sold that stuff for over 10 years I believe, and never saw much of it coming back, and when its been working fine (presumably) for 9 years after the overhaul and 20 years overall, it may be good enough to hang in there for a little longer. I'm pretty curious how the A90 compares to my current mono's. And even if I decide to buy it, I think my mono's will stay as backup.

I did have some AudioAnalyse amps before, a PA60 which still is a wonderful machine, even today. And a B90 and PA90. Never had any issues.

[323baur]

You must have some luck, but when it lasts for more than 20 years, it probabely will last a few more.

I must say that the after service of Rotel ain't bad at all, they startet to listen, and will make me an offer.
Normally, even high end, is after 5-6years of use, worth nothing...in the eyes of the dealers.