Gentlemen, to what extent - if at all - is the availability (or not) of spare boards … as distinct from spare parts … a purchasing influence on you?
Recent experience, somewhat unfortunate experience, regarding a Musical Fidelity Encore 250 revealed that all spares are kept in Austria, where are the new owners of the Company are based.
Investigation confirmed that prior to the remaining facets of MF being transferred to the new owner, a policy decision was made that all parts for all vintage items i.e. those which are not still in production were binned.
Now in some circumstances this isn't so much of a problem because, of course, some third-party / OEM components are still readily available and not necessarily specified to be precisely MF spec but that might not matter too much.
But on the other hand, complete boards (given the modern multi-layer complexity) ibeing resistant to replacing one or more individual components and, as I found out, a complete board is required. This is exactly the position I found myself in with the Encore 250 despite the fact it is still in production.
So in essence does it make sense these days to check availability of all main and secondary boards prior to investing substantial money in pre-owned classic equipment?
I've asked myself this question on a number of occasions and have yet to come up to a conclusion. Thoughts invited. Thanks. H