Bottlehead Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: vetmed on March 09, 2016, 04:35:43 PM

Title: Electrolytic capacitor life expectancy
Post by: vetmed on March 09, 2016, 04:35:43 PM

I'm wondering because some of my Bottlehead gear in particular is starting to get a little long in the tooth, Seduction is so old that when new had a printed assembly manual but still seems to work :D  What would be signs that replacement is required? TIA

Robert Lees

Title: Re: Electrolytic capacitor life expectancy
Post by: Doc B. on March 09, 2016, 05:38:34 PM

Low B+ voltage, increased hum, bulging caps, blown fuse.

Title: Re: Electrolytic capacitor life expectancy
Post by: ToolGuyFred on March 14, 2016, 02:58:14 AM

I have been doing the audio kit thing now for nearly 40 years and have never had a decent (i.e. recognizable brand) electrolytic capacitor fail in my audio gear.   :) Computer motherboards and cell phones - don't get me started. >:(

My old S/S preamp (still in use for it's phono stage and shortly to be replaced by Reduction) is about 30 years old and still going strong. I have heard the opinion aired that electrolytics in regular use live much longer than those which have infrequent use - particularly if there are long periods (years) between power-ups. YMMV.