Plenty of things with no moving parts are posted here daily. Spoons, socks, thermoses, etc etc etc.

I don’t know too many people who have had the same stereo for 16 years (and counting). BIFL is part reliability, part repairability, and part long term relevance. Yes there are cheaper solutions, and those solutions get replaced somewhat often because they lack current technology. This does not fall into that trap.

Okay. I’m glad you have an opinion.

Assuming someone buys a Ferrari as a daily driver and it’s maintenance free for a decade and a half? Yes.

That’s about $8700 USD? I paid $3500, though granted it was 16 years ago and it was a display model.

It does indeed get loud though.

Yeah the manual recommends McIntosh, but if course theirs are just rebranded from other brands.

There are a few websites that sell them, and luckily each tube is labeled with the type.

Well no offense was intended. (In my view) Some BIFL items are designed to save money, and some are designed to be purchased that last a lifetime, practical or not. We all treat ourselves occasionally, and while income largely determines what those treats look like, the intent is the same.

A lot of people buy a new (inexpensive) stereo every few years to keep up with current technology. A lot of people buy inexpensive Bluetooth speakers, and replace them every couple of years when the internal battery dies and can’t be replaced. Assuming I keep and use this for 50 years (not unreasonable), was the cost really that high? I don’t believe so.

I try to buy things I’m going to keep where possible. I have t-shirts I bought in high school (30 years ago) that I still wear, holes and all. I have a blender I bought 20 years ago that I’ll have forever. And the last time I bought underwear was in 2008 at Target (no holes, no need to replace!), and my kitchen cutlery is a set my grandmother got free when she opened a bank account in the 1940s.

And while a $2000 car might fit your budget better than a $30,000 car, that $2000 car is still likely out of reach for a lot of people, and might be seen as a flex. Meanwhile, some dude with a boat is going to look at my McIntosh and scoff since it didn’t cost six figures and require five figure annual maintenance.

Again, if my post offended you, I apologize, that wasn’t the intent, nor was a “flex”. I just thought that in the disposable world of consumer electronics, something with staying power was appropriate. Money and toys don’t buy happiness, and some of my best memories are from when I was earning $6/hr and living with 4 roommates. Hopefully you understand my perspective and I genuinely hope you enjoy the rest of your day.

Oh man… that’s a tough one, as it depends greatly on the mood. Top five crank up tunes that come to mind (in no particular order):

1. Low Self Opinion-Rollin’s Band
2. Life On Mars-David Bowie
3. Adore-Prince
4. John Finn’s Wife-Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds
5. Regret-Fiona Apple

Among other formats, yep!

Yes, there are modders out there, though that’s beyond my capabilities.

Yep! Any Bluetooth speaker or speaker that plugs into a computer has a miniaturized version inside. Obviously made from different technology, but same concept.

Yes, they’re (currently) readily available.

Personally I disagree. I picked this up used 16 years ago for $3500, so $218/year to own it at this point, and many years still ahead. Meanwhile, how many people buy a new pair of AirPods or similar every year? Not an exact comparison but you get the idea.

I’ve always wanted to build a nixie clock!

Yikes. Good point.

While possibly true, how many reasonable quality stereo amps are still in use after 20, 30, or 40 years?

Constantly might be an exaggeration though. I’ve had it 16 years and bought zero parts so far.

Yes, it’s a tube amp. It only accepts analog inputs from a pre-amp/processor, but any pre/pro will accept digital signals (HDMI, tos-link, etc), so functionally it’s the same as any more modern amp.

I don’t know that Apple and McIntosh ever had a conflict. The Beatles on the other hand…

For sure. At any given point you can sell it for what was paid if not more.

Makes speakers play music!

Definitely. I don’t plan on selling it, but knowing I can get back what I paid pretty easily is a nice bonus.

The 2205 was gorgeous.

Yes, I’m aware that solid state has been invented. While the tubes here will need eventual replacement, they are obviously user replaceable, so no technician needed for the most common “repair”. Although the overall design is 60 years old, they’re using modern caps here, so those should last just as long as any other quality amp.

But, because of the simplicity and long history of this product, there will likely always be a source for any needed parts and repairs, unlike most vintage electronics. Additionally, due to what it is (an amp, nothing more), there is no technology to become obsolete. How many perfectly operating A/V receivers are now useless due to changing technology? The Denon AVR5600 released in 1998 was the ultimate AV receiver and sold for over $5000. But… no HDMI, no 4k, no modern deciding, and today it’s virtually worthless.

This is true. But for now I’m just enjoying the sound.

I wish there were more places people could A/B compare them with solid state. Though the MC7300 is certainly a worthy competitor!