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Capacitors drying out in an old amp

If one is evaluating old amplifiers how does one know if the capacitors are drying out/dried out. Does the drying out process take a long time? Say, 1 or 2 years or is it quick?

Can the ears tell us if it is so?

I tried to check this but could not come up with anything. However most agree that an amp which is over 15 years old most probably needs the capacitors to be changed.

Quad amps have the current dumping system and according to what I have read are sort of self adjusting amps which do not change the sound characteristics over certain period of time. Is this also related to the issue raised above.

Sorry for so many questions but if someone can explain in laymans terms if possible, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
quadophile

Showing 1 response by chazro

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chazro
635 posts
 
Wazzup All!

I'm reading this with great interest. I have a 15 yr. old Dolan PM-1 pre-amp and was wondering whether the internal parts have deteriorated over the years. The Pre-amp hasn't been used for the past few years and is just sitting in a closet. I'm currently using a Music Reference RM5 Mk III pre along with a MR RM9, both tube components. I've been contemplating switching out the pre-amps just to see (hear) what'll happen. Is the deterioration being refered to in this thread due to heat output? Any thoughts would be much appreciated, thanks!
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