Altec DEPENDABILITY

Most of the regulars here will know this but for the sake of some of our younger readers...

The first time I ever saw an Altec amp was in the factory I worked at. Three of them powered the PA system. I was always very concerned because no one ever turned them off. EVER.

Those amps ran for over 25 YEARS continuously and were never serviced even once. I believe they were the 1590 Model.

The equipment made by Altec then was literally so dependable they were actually UL listed as a fire signaling device. Think about that. ;)

Are there any amps built to that standard today?

Bryston is the only modern amp that I can think of that may match the reliability of Altecs. Any others out there?

Well Crown used to be. I don't know know.

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Originally Posted by Panomaniac

Well Crown used to be. I don't know know.

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I'd second this. The new Crown stuff from the last 10 years is crap IMHO.

Australian Monitor amps from the 80s and 1990s were just as bulletproof and sonically sweet, especially the 1K2 and the AM1600

Perreaux gear from the same period also bulletproof and sweet. I know a couple of cinemas with Perreaux stuff (8000Cs) on almost 24/7 for 20 yrs no issue.

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Originally Posted by SD-50

Bryston is the only modern amp that I can think of that may match the reliability of Altecs. Any others out there?

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I never paid much attention to Bryston equipment before. They must feel pretty strongly about them to include a 20 year warranty!!

I have never seen one in person. Are they that well built or is this one of those deals where an extended warranty is built into the price?

"Are they that well built or is this one of those deals where an extended warranty is built into the price?"

I believe all Bryston gear has a standard 20 year warranty. I know they've just released a CD player & that has a 20 year warranty.

They are certainly proud of their work!!! That stuff is EXPENSIVE. :eek:
I am thinking for that price they should give you a new one every 5 years. :D

You can find this in almost any product out there.

Appliances are my biggest gripe these days...They are NOTHING like they were 30 years ago. I have a Hotpoint frig in my basement that is 60+ years old and is still running with all 100% original parts. I'm on my third one in the past 20 years.

Power tools is another...I have a 55yo drill that still runs great...It's old reliable.

I think you'll find McIntosh still makes highly durable electronics. Still made in Binghamton NY..and for the past 20 years owned by Clarion.

Bryston years ago had a 20 year warranty on all their amps..then they made a change to give them a life-time warranty. Not sure what their policy is now. Their stuff is very nice and very expensive...but if the quality is there...

Mark Levinson and Crown are now owned by Harmon LTD. I'm NOT impressed with that company.

Speaking of appliances -

We bought an Amana refrigerator in 1983 - at the time, it was the largest one they made. It was made in the USA, and was very well built.

It survived 3 kids, all of whom were not gentle on it, four moves, and 27 years of abuse. It finally had to be replaced this year, not because it failed, but because it was worn out - the door gaskets were shot, the plastic shelving had cracked and was broken in spots, and the drain for the autodefrost system wouldn't stay unclogged. It was still running when I unplugged it took it to the scrapyard. Of course, it had an American-made compressor - try finding one of THOSE these days!

I replaced it with a 1955 Servel Gas Refrigerator that I lightly restored - all cosmetic work, as it needed NO mechanical repairs whatsoever. No moving parts - what a concept! Keeps everything right at 36-degrees for cheap, and, when we have those Oklahoma tornado's and ice storms, my refrigerator still works!

I built a website for folks who are interested in them:

Vintage Servel Refrigerators Homepage

One more thing:

I replaced TWO modern kitchen ranges with a 1955 Chambers 90C Range that will outlast anything made today, and it does a better job of cooking, too!

I built a website for folks who like them, too:

Welcome to the Chambers Stove Lover's Website!