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Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ |
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Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ |
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In Reply to: How long can electrolytic capacitors (in a tube amp) last? posted by Leslie Loh on September 28, 2004 at 03:00:30:
Hi, Leslie. The "sound" of your amplifier is determined to a large degree by the input tube. Hence, the amplifier might "check out" OK on the bench (not blowing fuses, passing waveforms without undue distortion, etc) but may suffer from deteriorated sound. Electrolytic caps age whether they are in circuit or sitting on a shelf. How they perform and age over time is related to how the circuit designer is using them. Are they being pushed hard with a working voltage near the "red line" of maximum permitted or are they being run convervatively? Is there is huge turn on surge that subjects them to overload shock everytime you turn the amp on? Electrolytics in general display lots of characteristics that make them a poor sonic choice. They are cheap compared to any alternative so they get used a lot.AR Corp has to cover expenses for upgrades and repairs. Figure at least $50 per hour ( a low estimate )tech time plus parts, which have to be inventoried for every piece ARC makes.
What are the 6550's that ARC recommends for the amp? Billington rebrands current manufacture for those types that are not available NOS.
It sounds like the caps probably should be replaced if you are detecting moisture. This is a bad indicator.
I would consider replacement of tubes other than outputs. The input tube(s) are sonically critical.
Hope this helps. Good luck on your quest.
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Follow Ups
- Re: How long can electrolytic capacitors (in a tube amp) last? - elektron 08:17:12 09/28/04 (0)
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