Hafler P500 - what's it worth?

[Dony]

Hello AK members,

Going to audition a Hafler P500 tomorrow, I know the amp is roughly 40 years old and I don't think it has ever been serviced or re-capped.

So if the amp functions normally and doesn't have any major damage what is a good price to pay for it?

If I do go ahead and buy the amp then I intend to have it re-capped and serviced which is going to cost about $300 for parts/labor from my local tech.

 

[ivandezande]

$300-400

 

[Dony]

$300-400

Well, I think I got a good deal. I'm not 100% sure about the deal, because I didn't get the opportunity to fully test the amp. It did power up and turn on without incident (no smoke/fire), the fan ran quietly, power led turned on, power switch worked properly and I heard the relay click on. Cosmetically it's in pretty good shape with no damage or major scratches. It was stored in a portable rack/case so other than being dusty it's in good shape after 40 years.

I"m not sure if it actually produces sound as there was no input source or speakers connected to it. At any rate, I only paid $150 for it, so even if it doesn't work I can probably sell it for more than I paid for it as the original parts (Mosfets) are probably worth more than $150.

 

[Dony]

Photos are over in the "What's your latest audio purchase" thread.

 

[mrk⦁⦁⦁⦁003]

Not a bad deal if it functions right. Even better if u plan to have it serviced. I’ve had terrible luck with haflers. Everyone I’ve owned 10+- have blown up or broke in use. Once you have them serviced, you’re set for life and have a great sounding unit.

 

[Dony]

Not a bad deal if it functions right. Even better if u plan to have it serviced. I’ve had terrible luck with haflers. Everyone I’ve owned 10+- have blown up or broke in use. Once you have them serviced, you’re set for life and have a great sounding unit.

Thanks for the response. Well, I think I am going to have the P500 serviced and re-capped as it is probably 35 to 40 years old so I would be surprised if it continues to function flawlessly after all the years it has been in service.

I'm not sure if I'm going to have it upgraded with new boards as I've been advised that the board upgrade changes the sound quality/signature and the end result is not really desirable.

I guess if after the service/re-capping if someday down the road the P500 goes on the fritz or dies then I will consider the board upgrade if they are still available.