Used Power Amps

[GO-NAD!]

I'm considering a Yamaha MX-800U power amp to power the mains in my HT. This model would be 20+ years old. The asking price is $275. If it powers up and appears to be in good condition, should I look for any potential problems? Do amplifier components degrade over time, even if the unit has been well-cared for? In other words, if it works fine under low load, can I expect it to provide the same output as when new?

At that age, should I not be surprised if it works fine one day, but dies the next? A 5 year old amp is one thing. At 20+, is it worth the bother?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I'm considering a Yamaha MX-800U power amp to power the mains in my HT. This model would be 20+ years old. The asking price is $275. If it powers up and appears to be in good condition, should I look for any potential problems? Do amplifier components degrade over time, even if the unit has been well-cared for? In other words, if it works fine under low load, can I expect it to provide the same output as when new?

At that age, should I not be surprised if it works fine one day, but dies the next? A 5 year old amp is one thing. At 20+, is it worth the bother?

150 wpc to 175 wpc I'm I missing anything here? Hardly an upgrade
Both rated down to 2 Ohm, both have very high dynamic power...
I'm confused... but Examining old amp first thing I'd do is check out capacitors.

 

[GO-NAD!]

150 wpc to 175 wpc I'm I missing anything here? Hardly an upgrade
Both rated down to 2 Ohm, both have very high dynamic power...
I'm confused... but Examining old amp first thing I'd do is check out capacitors.

Oh, I realize that I wouldn't be getting a significant increase in power. It's just that my system is in a fairly large room and I figured a power amp for the mains would take some load off the receiver and provide a bit more headroom. As for the capacitors, would I just look to see if they appear normal?

 

[its phillip]

I'd make sure none were blown/bulging/leaking but I dunno what else to check.

 

[highfigh]

Oh, I realize that I wouldn't be getting a significant increase in power. It's just that my system is in a fairly large room and I figured a power amp for the mains would take some load off the receiver and provide a bit more headroom. As for the capacitors, would I just look to see if they appear normal?

The only ways to check caps, other than visually, are using a caoacitance meter or an ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) meter and that's not definitive because they aren't at/near their maximum working voltage.