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ESS 500M amplifier - Keep it?

68.115.98.23
Posted on March 25, 2015 at 19:32:20
dpearceMN
Audiophile

Posts: 1
Location: MN
Joined: March 21, 2015
 I have an ESS 500M amplifier in good working condition. It is basically stock except for new input caps and added a few bypass caps.

I love the sound but it is such a beast to lift and move.

I regret turning loose of my Hafler DH-220 amp and don't want to make the same mistake with the ESS.

Am I being a romantic or is this amp's sound really that good?

Thanks.

Dave

 

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I can relate ..., posted on March 25, 2015 at 19:54:00
TBone
Audiophile

Posts: 4197
Joined: April 5, 2000
 owning a set of heavy legacy amps myself ...

Never heard your particular amps (those Hafler's were good), however I understand your concerns. My amps always make me smile (or cringe, depending on mastering quality), but many of these legacy components are terribly non-efficient, heavy, to some; ugly (i prefer industrial) and as they age, they require maintenance/service.

I'm a romantic, too a fault perhaps, because once I establish "luv" in sonic terms, divorce doesn't come easy (or cheap).

tb1

 

RE: ESS 500M amplifier - Keep it?, posted on March 25, 2015 at 23:34:45
djk
Manufacturer

Posts: 6135
Joined: June 17, 2000

I have the original ESS 500, circa 1974.

It sounded better in the mids and highs than the Crown DC300A, Harman Kardon Citation 16, etc.(I was a dealer for those, and more)

It's a very simple design, and the sound can be improved with some better capacitors.

 

Being something, posted on March 26, 2015 at 05:36:40
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
 I understand liking it but a modern amp with really good parts and an aftermarket power cord will easily make you willing to let it go. Put it on eBay and someone will overpay for it helping fund a new amp.


E
T
ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

One question does comes to mind, posted on March 26, 2015 at 06:28:37
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 Why do you need to move it so much?

However after asking that question - I did sell a Marantz 2330 for that very same reason. But that was because I was continually hooking and unhooking it up, for what ever reasons!

I say - move on!

 

RE: ESS 500M amplifier - Keep it?, posted on March 26, 2015 at 11:30:30
Brian Levy
Audiophile

Posts: 2438
Location: Toronto
Joined: June 5, 2000
 If you are asking the question, just keep it. You can experiment by buying a potential replacement and living with both for some time. I have sold before taking this advice and have learned to listen to myself. Only a few pieces have I deeply regretted selling but, a decent number I wish I had not. My biggest regret is an AVA SuperPas3x preamp.


Don Brian Levy, J.D.
Toronto ON Canada

 

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