How old is too old?

Peter D'Castro -- Wed, 10/20/2010 - 08:20

I have a Threshold Fet 10e linestage. When I bought it I think the retail price was $4,000. This is a 16 yr old unit. If I wanted an upgrade on the Threshold, what would be a suitable option and how much will I need to spend. Are the current linestages at $4,000 better products, bearing in mind the improvement in parts and design; or will I have to spend a whole lot of money?
There are many audiophiles sitting on good but old gear, is it time for them to be looking at current products at affordable prices for an upgrade?

SundayNiagara -- Wed, 10/20/2010 - 19:42

Doesn't Threshold offer an upgrade?

Peter D'Castro -- Fri, 10/22/2010 - 09:14

Threshold was Nelson Pass' start up business. It was sold by Mr Pass but Threshold failed without Nelson Pass. I heard that Nelson Pass may at some time resurrect the Threshold brand.

The problem is that my Threshold is broken and has been put in for repairs. I will be without a system for about 3 wks. Things are miserable. If it is time to get back in the market for a new preamp, I would like to do it now.

SundayNiagara -- Sat, 10/23/2010 - 17:11

Threshold IS in business! Here is the link where you'll find a contact link regarding upgrades and restorations: http://www.threshold-audio.com/index2.html

Peter D'Castro -- Sat, 10/23/2010 - 20:20

Thanks. Now all I have to do is transport my unit from Australia to Texas. From Threshold's site, I am not sure to what extent the business is trading. Too many site tabs are blank. There doesn't seem to be a dealer network.

SundayNiagara -- Sun, 10/24/2010 - 06:52

Why not contact them?

Peter D'Castro -- Tue, 10/26/2010 - 08:12

I have contacted them, but 'Threshold' have not yet replied. I don't believe Threshold exists as a functioning manufacturer. They probably exist as a repair/upgrade shop, like Counterpoint do.

Besides, I have been down the upgrade path before and found that to be a waste of money. Unless the upgrade brings the unit up to specs of a current model, which is noticeably better, the upgrade is not worthwhile. Better to put money towards buying better power cords or something.

David Matz -- Sat, 10/23/2010 - 10:40

Value is a subjecive phenomena. Objectively, the new line stages will probably be more quiet. Subjectively they will be more musical. Whether the extra money it costs to get a newer linestage is for you to decide. Can you bring a few home and compare?

Peter D'Castro -- Tue, 10/26/2010 - 08:15

Thank you for your comments. I currently have it in mind to audition a Parasound Halo JC2. The Threshold does have flaws of it's era, which I hope the Parasound have overcome.

BRsound -- Thu, 11/04/2010 - 10:54

Peter, you simply couldn't go wrong with the Halo JC2. I've got one and I am very pleased with its transparency and ultra-low noise output. It's definitely a keeper, built to last for sure. Better than that is gonna cost 10k, as the Spectral or GamuT do.