New vs vintage power amplifier

[Forty six and two]

Brand new monolith by monoprice 2 * 200 vs vintage rotel, ps audio or nad.

Which one should i get? I found older ps audio 200c, rotel rb 993, nad c272, bryston 4b for around $500 canadian on marketplace or should i go for brand new monolith or if vintage which one of the above would be a better option.

Thank you everyone for replying.

 

[Doodski]

If going vintage the 4B otherwise buy new and get a warranty.

 

[Old_School_Brad]

It depends on whether you know someone who can fix it, if you can do it yourself, how much you value having a warranty, and, of course, your budget.

 

[Doodski]

It depends on whether you know someone who can fix it, if you can do it yourself, how much you value having a warranty, and, of course, your budget.

He is apparently Canadian and would have easier access to Bryston service if required for the 4B. That's why I selected the Bryston as a used prospect.

 

[Chrispy]

What in hell is vintage about BS (err, PS) Audio? I think you're overthinking it in any case.

 

[restorer-john]

They are all good choices, but I'd go with the 4B, the Rotel, the PSA and the NAD in that order.

 

[voodooless]

I guess nothing wrong with a vintage amp in general. You can get some of the great classics for little money (except that I would never consider a PSA amp out of spite ).

Just expect that these things needs servicing earlier than a brand new one. Specifically the electrolytic caps will wear out eventually. If possible, have a look for bulging or leaking caps. Then again, the reliability of new stuff generally has gone down, so who knows…

 

[Holmz]

The Bryson would not be a bad choice.

 

[JSmith]

brand new monolith

I'd be getting new... looks good, plenty of power, other specs seem decent and appears to be solid build quality.

Can save $300 if you get a refurb as well;

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=41111

JSmith

 

[Holmz]

I'd be getting new... looks good, plenty of power, other specs seem decent and appears to be solid build quality.

Can save $300 if you get a refurb as well;

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=41111

JSmith

So a refurbished means that it was new and broken, and now fixed?
I think a many year old one that works - might be more dependable.

 

[Old_School_Brad]

I like this. Clean.

 

[BDWoody]

I'd probably go for the Bryston.

You could get one 15 years old with another 5 years left on the warranty.

 

[Clmrt]

Monolith is $1500 new? No. Nice, but...

Bryston at $500!
Send it in for a checkup, even if you have to pay.
Pocket the change and forget about amplifiers until you die.

Bryston 4B power amplifier Measurements

Sidebar 2: Measurements

www.stereophile.com

 

[Holmz]

Pocket the change and forget about amplifiers until you die.

Is that what people think about when they die?

 

[Old_School_Brad]

Is that what people think about when they die?

Is that really what you think he meant?

 

[Holmz]

Is that really what you think he meant?

No but it makes for a good 1-liner.

 

[Old_School_Brad]

No but it makes for a good 1-liner.

You can never be sure..