Do caps deteriorate with time even if an amp is not being used?


Recently I was considering purchasing an amp which was ten years old but had only been used for a couple of hundred hours before being put in climate controlled storage.  I know capacitors will wear out over time, however if the unit is not in use does the mere passage of time have an effect on their efficacy and longevity?? 
Thanks for your thoughts on this...

weebeesdad

Showing 1 response by randy-11

I don’t think the capacitors really wear out over time; instead, the electrolytic "paste" reacts with the metallized container or wrapping IIRC.

Other types of caps should not be (as) affected, but 10, 15, 20 years is about it (tho my Sunfire amp is still going strong).