Is the Sumo Polaris original really hard to fix? Should I steer clear or not worry?

[Alkeys]

So I've read various things about the Sumo Polaris amplifier and apparently there as the original a Sumo Polaris II and a Sumo Polaris III.

There's a shop with a beautiful Sumo Polaris (original not the II or III)
and I'm wondering if I should stay away from it because I've heard that if I ever need to get it fixed, the original Sumo Polaris is harder to get fixed than the II or the III.

I'd like someone who knows to clarify, is this really true? Are there parts in the Sumo Polaris that are unobtainable? Or is it just like any other solid state amp?

I'm trying to avoid buying something that has special proprietary parts that would be hard to get fixed if I ever need to get it fixed.

Thanks guys

 

[FootFungus]

I think these were post Bongiorno. From my rustling around diyaudio.com in the past, I seem to recall the two main issues with post Bongiorno Sumo's seem to be finding compatible replacement MOSFETs (especially TO-3s) and sometimes the op-amps. There's a SUMO Polaris 310 schematic up on the web.

If the outputs are TO-3 mosfets, then it probably is a more difficult and expensive fix. The later Andromeda's used Motorola TO-3s. Locating originals will be pricey, and even subs will harder to track down.

I'd pay accordingly.

 

[dshoaf]

Jim's site does not claim the Polaris as his. You might, however, contact him to see if he can shed some light on yours. Follow the links: http://www.ampzilla2000.com/James_Bongiorno.html

Cheers,

David

 

[phaedrus]

The Polaris is definitely post-Bongiorno. He hated MOSFETs and wouldn't use them.

You should ask Mike Bettinger at GASAudio.net, he'll be able to give you all the information you need to know.

David