opinion on SOUNDCRAFTSMEN MA5002

evhudsons

What do guys think of this amp?


SOUNDCRAFTSMEN MA5002 AMPLIFIER

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200734078985?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648



Was thinking about running it in my system, either for the polks or the maggies. I would probably hook up the eq on a friend's system or sell it.

WilliamM2

I think the seller doesn't know what "pristine condition" means.

steveinaz

I had the A5002 (LED meter version) for years in the 80's and loved it's smooth tube-like character. I later owned 2 PM-840's that I used for 13 years in bridged mode along with the AB-1 bridge adapter.

It would be great for maggies as it's stable into 2 ohms.

Maintenance might be an issue if your in a small town.

For that price, assuming it IS in good condition, I'd grab it in a hot second.

heiney9

Just like any old piece of gear that has sat around for 15+ years unused, i'd be suspect that a lot of the caps are dried out, etc. He actually took a big chance by just plugging it in to see if it works. Generally something sitting around that long unused needs to be brought back to life with a variac to prevent damage.

Just some food for thought because old gear sitting in storage unused for a long period of time could end up giving you more issues than the same amp which has been used frequently.

H9

Polkie2009

Good point Heiney about the variac,that would be the smart way to wake something vintage that's been dorment a long time, I just don't have a variac,lol.I bought a used A5002 about 6 months ago and the front led meters didn't work right at first,but the amp sounded fine. After about 2 or 3 power cyclings of the amp, the led meters work great. I use the A5002 as a side surrounds amp and a A2502 for the back surround amp. These things may be over 25 -30 years old but they are American made and almost bulletproof. The A2502 came to me packaged like crap(the lady who sold it to me said the people at the UPS shipping store would package it for her).( :rolleyes:) The amp got a little banged up with a bent rack ear and the single box was torn.Anyway, plugged the amp in and the damn thing works great:) I've heard the MA5002 are pretty much the same as the A5002 but with VU meters. I think you'd enjoy the MA5002. If not,you can always sell it.

Polkersince85

Here's one I picked up at GW a few years back. I got the SP-4002 pre and ST-6001 tuner also. I think it was less than $40 for all three. You could probably get music out of a fork laid across the terminals. Just don't turn the volume up too high or it may turn into a spoon.

evhudsons

I agree the seller doesn't know pristine. I'm glad you guys warned me about it not being used for a while as a detractor. Someone already snatched it up though at the buy now price. I'll be on the look out for one as it seems to be a nice piece of gear. Any other recommendations for things I can look for? the Parasound and Adcom I have are great and have lots of power. I want to add another to the mix and then downsize a couple of amps in my repertoire.

Polkie2009

+1 Polkersince85, awesome pic of the amp, they are beautiful! EV, I've noticed in the last 2 years or so of searching for good used A5002 amps, that there's plenty of the MA5002 amps around that pop up occasionally on fleabay and CL etc. You'll find ya a good one!

evhudsons

Thanks for the reassurances! I had never heard of this amp but have only read great things about them. The do look cool too, sometimes the waf is something to consider. I have to admit to I have my own factor when it comes to aesthetics. Now that my system is starting to resemble a baby rig I want it to look almost as good as the sound.

I just ordered and installed a new Technics turntable cover just to make the look much better, and it sure did!

I love scouring cl, ebay, and other sites for good deals. I've seen a lot on audiogon, but the prices seem to be high but I'm sure it's because you know you will get quality and the risk factor is much lower.

thanks again!

Ev