Hi-Fi Gear will Last a Lifetime
Naim Audio - NAP 180 (1992)
Hi-fi gear can last a lifetime and be passed on to the next generation to enjoy. As digital technologies have grown significantly in home audio, let’s explore factors that can impact your gear’s longevity.
Continued software support
As home audio products continue to grow in their use of computer software, it makes managing planned obsolescence more complex for us users.
Hi-fi equipment’s longevity depends on the manufacturers’ ongoing software updates and support to remain compatible with music streaming services and other audio-enhancing technologies.
Glasgow-based Linn stands out for their ongoing support of current and legacy products. The Linn Majik DS-1 is an all-in-one player released in 2009 with a built-in pre-amp, power amp, phono stage, and digital music capabilities. Although the original firmware was not released when streaming staple for music, it was all brought to us after updating to Linn’s latest software.
Unfortunately, there are home audio products in the market that loses their usefulness over time simply because it is not compatible with the services we now use. For the brands that continue supporting their hi-fi gear, it provides the security of the equipment’s compatibility with newer services.
A hi-fi system will retain its musical ability
Choosing a hi-fi system should be based on its ability to reproduce quality music. The quality of your equipment does not diminish from the launch of a new product.
There is an idea that you must entirely replace an existing system to take advantage of current hi-fi performance and features. Sometimes, the ideal option may be extending your current system even if it’s a bit old. Many of our customers continue to use superseded models and grow their hi-fi system by adding a streamer or another music source.
A new release does not diminish the enjoyment you get from a hi-fi system and certainly does not result in your system sounding worse.
Availability of spare parts
There is a point where the cost of repairing a piece of hi-fi gear is outweighed by the option of replacing it with something new. It might not be the actual cost of the component needed for the repair, but the labour costs in the technician discovering where the fault is and the repair.
The availability of components is not a significant issue in many cases. The manufacturer may still stock those parts in the distributor and retailers’ inventory. However, there are cases where the original manufacturer of a specific capacitor or part has closed down permanently. In these cases, there are generally substitutes that can perform identically or very similarly to the original.
In other cases, substitutes for example, an entirely new motherboard, may not be readily available. The option may be to enjoy the features of a new amplifier or from the second-hand market instead.
Conclusion
Quality hi-fi can last a lifetime and bring continued musical enjoyment into your home. In choosing your hi-fi system, ask yourself these questions as an indicator of its longevity:
What is the manufacturer’s track record for software support on legacy products?
Are there local locations that can expertly service the hi-fi gear?
However, remember that new products, technologies, and software updates do not reduce your hi-fi gear’s musical ability. Its musical ability remains critical in looking for the right hi-fi system for you.
We have long-time customers that have ‘vintage’ gear in their hi-fi system. Our brands were selected to be able to withstand the test of time. Get in touch with us to explore the options.