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How long can electrolytic capacitors (in a tube amp) last?

Posted by Leslie Loh (A) on September 28, 2004 at 03:00:30

Hi,

My amp, ARC Classic 120 monoblock (year 1992), are giving me problems. The sound has deteriorated to a stage where highs become unnatural, thin and splashy; the mids also thin and lack of body. I changed to new tubes (Billington 6550C) and it does not help.

A couple of technicians had checked the amp and found nothing wrong -it is still operating well albeit with a less-than-optimal sound.

A few months ago i detected some moisture on top of one of the Philips electrolytic caps. Another strange thing is that all the plastic covers that sit on top of the electrolytic caps start dropping off due to some sort of "expansion" of the caps. Are these giveaway signs that the capacitors have reached its age???

Please advise, i am very very puzzled and troubled. ARC quoted me USD1080 on the caps (12 pieces of them) and i can't take a chance without knowing for sure that the problem lies on the caps.

Thanks so much.

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