How Long do Caps last in a 45 SET Amp.................

RE: How Long do Caps last in a 45 SET Amp................., posted on May 28, 2015 at 13:45:54
Paul Joppa Industry Professional Posts: 7295 Location: Seattle, WA Joined: April 23, 2001	Cap lifetime is very sensitive to voltage vs. rated, temperature vs. rated, and cap type - electrolytics having much shorter lifetimes than film types. Cap lifetime is not sensitive to the tube type or circuit topology.

Are you talking about coupling caps? Or is it a 2-stage?, posted on May 28, 2015 at 23:17:54
Frihed89 Audiophile Posts: 15703 Location: Copenhagen Joined: March 21, 2005	This remark isn't about cap age, but cap technology. I don't know what kind you have, and upgrading them to something "better" might make a difference, but there are many caps, like the Russian K-40s, which are "old technology" still sound fabulous at a pretty low price.

RE: How Long do Caps last in a 45 SET Amp................., posted on May 30, 2015 at 20:13:12

drlowmu
Manufacturer

Posts: 9730
Location: East of Kansas City
Joined: January 10, 2005

You probably need to leave it alone !!!

Best procedure would be some test equipment to check each cap in the
circuit. ( There were ESR meters, for in-circuit testing, two decades ago, likely still today, maybe improved models ). ONLY then, can you know, really know, if there are any needing replacing.

If you replace caps, the amp's sound will likely change, not necessarily for the better.

We have worked extensively with certain solid state receivers, from 1976 ( 39 years old ). In some instances, ALL the caps we pulled out to replace - tested like NEW. In some instances, when we willy-nilly replaced a stock cap with a new one, the "magic" of the piece went TOTALLY away.

So, I would think any quality cap, not run at the edge, would be good for 2 to 3 decades, easily.

Of course, if the amp wasn't built well to start with, that is a whole other can of worms !!!

Jeff Medwin

Quick review of ESR Meters 2009 , posted on May 30, 2015 at 20:38:29

drlowmu
Manufacturer

Posts: 9730
Location: East of Kansas City
Joined: January 10, 2005

This is the tool I had a Bob Parker one...need to find it !!

http://www.condoraudio.com/wp-content/uploads/Reviews/How-to

Thanks, good advice..., posted on May 31, 2015 at 09:15:50
Vinyl Valet Audiophile Posts: 1346 Location: Tempe, Arizona Joined: November 13, 2003	I built the EVB and also really like it. The article you linked mentions an analog multimeter as an important tool to have. I've been getting by just fine with my DVM. Do you know why one would also need an analog multimeter? Open up your mind, in pours the trash. - Meat Puppets, 1987

RE: Quick review of ESR Meters 2009 , posted on May 31, 2015 at 15:50:01
Awe-d-o-file Dealer Posts: 21037 Location: 50 miles west of DC Joined: January 10, 2004	I was using my cap meter the other day thinking I was just wasting my time. Testing them tells very little. An ESR gives so much more and really isn't expensive and there is even a kit option. E T ET "If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

RE: Quick review of ESR Meters 2009 , posted on May 31, 2015 at 16:09:38
drlowmu Manufacturer Posts: 9730 Location: East of Kansas City Joined: January 10, 2005	And, you test the caps while they are in circuit. I have a old Bob Parker and a Blue AnaTek. Prefer the "EA" Bob Parker of the two. Discontinued alas, but there is the copy from Portugal.

RE: Thanks, good advice..., posted on May 31, 2015 at 16:29:31
Triode_Kingdom Audiophile Posts: 10045 Location: Central Texas Joined: September 24, 2006	"Do you know why one would also need an analog multimeter?" Short term trends, i.e. pulsating DC voltage or current.

RE: Thanks, good advice..., posted on May 31, 2015 at 16:49:52
Vinyl Valet Audiophile Posts: 1346 Location: Tempe, Arizona Joined: November 13, 2003	Thank you, makes sense. Open up your mind, in pours the trash. - Meat Puppets, 1987

SET Asylum

How Long do Caps last in a 45 SET Amp.................

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