Buying used Ultrasound CP100 - still worth it ?

[pick1]

Hi everyone,

I have the opportunity of buying a used, but in good condition, pre-Dean Markley era Ultrasound CP100 for about $250 bucks. Now I read that if something breaks on those, they will be done for as Dean Markley offers virtually zero support for them.

So, from those who owned or still own one, how reliable are they ? Would I be better off buying a brand new Marshall AS50D instead, even if it's $150 more ?

Thank you for taking the time to read this post

[Nelson]

I would say definitely so. Pre-Markley Ultrasound gear would be the desirable equipment. I have a 2004 AG50 DS2 and have never once felt the need to look at anything else. IMO this would be a fine addition to your gear.

[Pineapple Pete]

Maybe a silly question:

Is the only way to tell a Markley Ultrasound amp by the Markley badging? How do you assure that it's from before the Dean Markley acquisition?

[Nelson]

Originally Posted by Pineapple Pete

Maybe a silly question:



Is the only way to tell a Markley Ultrasound amp by the Markley badging? How do you assure that it's from before the Dean Markley acquisition?

Yes. After Markley took over, they branded the front. Anything without the Markley logo should be Pre-Markley stock.

[cotten]

I too have a pre-takeover DS4. It developed a minor problem with the jack for the power chord. Dean Markley was no help whatsoever. However, a local tech made the repair at a very reasonable price, and the amp has worked flawlessly. I bought it used several years ago from a fellow AGFer because I liked it's tone, power, size, weight, and features, and especially its price. It still compares favorably with today's amps that cost a lot more.

Assuming that CP100 is in decent shape, yes, I think it would be worth it.

cotten

[ricdoug]

Take a look at the Carvin AG200 and Carvin AG300. Made in San Diego's North County, now in Rancho Bernardo, California and they still carry replacement parts for gear they built in America over 30 years ago. Ric

[jomaynor]

This amp would be a better deal for less money, but if it still sounds good, and if everything works, then $250 isn't exorbitant.

The bigger concern, of course, since parts availability for components on this older amp is iffy, would be "how long will it hold up?" It's likely that you would be buying a disposable amp, if a key component were needed.