Amp/Preamp Asylum

ESS 500M amplifier - Keep it?

68.115.98.23

dpearceMN

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

Edits: 03/25/15

Follow Ups:

RE: ESS 500M amplifier - Keep it? - Brian Levy 11:30:30 03/26/15 (0)
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
One question does comes to mind - airtime 06:28:37 03/26/15 (0)
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!
Being something - Awe-d-o-file 05:36:40 03/26/15 (0)
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
RE: ESS 500M amplifier - Keep it? - djk 23:34:45 03/25/15 (0)
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.
I can relate ... - TBone 19:54:00 03/25/15 (0)
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

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