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How long should an amp last?

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Old Nov 18, 2005 | 01:40 PM
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Default How long should an amp last?

I have a Soundstream EGA4160 4ch amp in my Buick and plan on transfering it to my TA in about a year. It's been in the car for 2 years already (in the trunk), and it hasn't given me any trouble yet. How long are amplifiers expected to last? It's my first one. Thanks.
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Old Nov 18, 2005 | 02:52 PM
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I've had amps in my car for 2 days and something went out. The MTX amp in my car now is from 1999, so If I isn't broke keep it. I also have a swap meet special Urban Audio amp from 1996 and it is in my other car and has never had a single problem.
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Old Nov 18, 2005 | 03:45 PM
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i have used an old rockford fosgate amp from the mid 90's with no problems. its in the beater now. its all on how hard you use them, and quality.
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Old Nov 18, 2005 | 04:53 PM
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One of my current amps in my camaro came from an old car I used to have.

It was installed in that car in 1990 or '91, up through nov or dec of 2001 (when I finally sold that dreck). The amp then sat in my garage until summer of 2005 when it got installed in the camaro.

It's an old alpine 3552 amp. According to them, it was brought to market in 88 or 89.

My old car wasn't the best of vehicles either. It was a rusty, leaky old caprice.

I'd say so long as there's no physical damage (cracked circuit board), and no fried components, the amp should last a long long time..
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Old Nov 18, 2005 | 07:19 PM
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Pretty much forever if you don't get it wet, short it out, drive it too hot, or drop / jostle it around too much.

If it works then usually it will continue to until one of the above things gets it.

Pretty common for amps to last 10-20 years even. I'd go out on a limb and say that 95% of amps are toasted during installation, changing wires. They don't really have any "wear out" parts.
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Old Nov 21, 2005 | 09:17 AM
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Awesome, that should save me some $$. Anyone have any personal experience with soundstream amps?
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