2. amps-preamps
  3. 175341-104877

Indicators of worn/bad capacitors?

I'm sure this topic has been addressed before, but perhaps I can ask again: What indicates capacitors are in need of replacement in a solid state amp? Specifically, my system seems a bit harsh/bright lately.  Nothing else in my system has changed (LRS, VPI HW-19 with Mörch UP-4 arm/Sumiko BP#2, Mytek Brooklyn DAC+, Cambridge CXC CD-2, Classé Audio DR-9 with very few hours on it, various cables). Could that be an indicator of bad capacitors?

 

Thanks in advance,

KAC

kacomess

Showing 2 responses by czarivey

czarivey
5,946 posts
 

From your words, your capacitors are most-likely okay.

Caps going bad in SS amp will hum and possibly pick-up RFI noise almost just like tubes.

The other way is to look at those if they show any signs of heat impact, discoloration or deterioration of print. Electrolytic DC caps usually can show that they're getting little 'fat', showing some loss of liquid around it.

czarivey
5,946 posts
 

You capacitors are no culprit then.

I would recommend if you listen to SS amp weekends only to keep it on all weekend. Wait at least 20 min before listening after turning on.

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