I need some straigh up advice!!

pearsall001

As many of you know I recently bough a Nikko Alpha VI amp on a whim. But what I didn't realize is that the amp is considered very rare & worth a lot of $$$$$ especially in the ultra mint condition that it's in & that it'll only increase in value. Guys that collect vintage gear are drooling over the damn thing. And to a man they all say to keep it & enyoy it. Except one fellow, he's pretty much told me he wants it bad & to name my price. Damn!

Here's my dilemna...I love the way the amp sounds, it's just liquidy smooth, with no SS artifacts what so ever. But it is 28yrs old & it's electronic parts are getting long in the tooth. Stephen at Quest said it's immaculate & not to worry about it. This amp was built by Luxman for Nikko & they sure as hell knew how to built quality stuff.

I'm just worried about it breaking down & the repair issues it might have. What's your thoughts on gear holding up over time. Am I worrying too much??

WilliamM2

About the only things I see fail in old amps, are the relays (dirt cheap), and caps. Neither is very expensive to repair.

My main amp just turned 19 years old, and I have no concerns at all. Then again, my best friend is an electronics technician, and does all my repairs for free. I've even had him fix things that were still under warranty, to avoid shipping damage, and save time.:)

Hawkeye

Well, are you a collector? If you are then hang on to it and bring it out on special occasions. I imagine if it sounds that sweet, that special occasion may be a long time!

On the other hand, if your concerned about breaking it, part with it now, make a few bucks and allow some other guy to enjoy it until it breaks. Because once it's fixed it won't be mint anymore, almost but not quite.

My 2 cents.

Gordon

WilliamM2

Because once it's fixed it won't be mint anymore, almost but not quite.

How do you figure this? It will still be mint, assuming the tech does not scratch the unit, and uses the appropriate parts for repair.

I-SIG

Hawkeye wrote: »

Well, are you a collector?

Gordon

Phil,

I think Gordon nailed it.

If you want to be or are a collector, then it's a no-brainer: keep it whether you use it everyday or break it out for those special occasions.

If not, then I'd think hard about the price. I'm getting a SS Cary next week so I'll go a for a quickie review to give you something else to chew on.

Wes

Hawkeye

WilliamM2 wrote: »

How do you figure this? It will still be mint, assuming the tech does not scratch the unit, and uses the appropriate parts for repair.

I personally would not considered a piece mint if it had been repaired unless the disclaimer "recently serviced" or words to that effect had been mentioned.

A collector looking for an ultra mint piece is looking for original parts, that is what makes it mint to me. I don't see anything wrong with getting pieces serviced. But for a collector it may make a difference, and that will affect the dollar value. That is all I'm saying.

Gordon

lakesailor

There is no shortage of nice sounding vintage amps. I would say if anything there is a shortage of hardcore Nikko collectors and if you have found one (a Nikko collector) I would cahs out and move on to something else.

If you like the Nikko I would try a Pass designed Adcom GFA 555 Mark 2. Stereophile used to rave about the performance of the 555's for the money.

Midnite Mick

Only you can answer this question Phil. You have to judge whether you enjoy the piece more than you would enjoy the financial benefits of the money and/or what else the money can buy. To me your repair concern is a non-issue. Anything can be fixed to return to the original sound.

This question is kind of like a reverse decision on whether we should purchase a piece of gear. When we purchase something we judge whether the gain in sound quality is of more value to us than the amount of money that we are paying and how it compares with other products, etc.

I think only your value system can answer this question and make that decision Phil.

Still would love some photos though.

Good luck,
Mike

shack

SELL IT NOW while you have a buyer. There are lots of wonderful amps (or other gear) out there. Unless it has sentimental value...its just gear. There are very few things that can't be replaced...and usually cheaper than what you just sold it for.

dcmeigs

Nikko on Ebay

If your guy will pay $1700, I'd sell! You notice he had not a nibble at $1,000.

danger boy

keep it... if it were me.. i'd keep it.. as soon as you sell it.. you'll kick yourself. how often does anyone luck into something that vintage and mint?