Indicators of worn/bad capacitors?

Thanks for the replies!

1) No hum or other noise that I can detect but I haven't removed the top of the amp to look (but, following your advice, I will do that tomorrow) and,

2) I leave the system off almost all the time. I only listen on weekends. Would leaving the amp running constantly help?

Keith

Thanks to all of you for your helpful comments! I'll try leaving it running for a week and re-assess the situation.

Keith

Maybe I should just have them replaced. Is that an expensive procedure?

Thanks for the insights! I'll take a look at the capacitors today and I'll try leaving the system on for several hours before listening. I haven't listened to it in >6 weeks so maybe that's part of the problem.

As for other listeners' perspectives, that's just my wife. She thinks the entire enterprise is "nuts" and says, "It sounds fine. Stop worrying about it."

immatthew,

That's a good plan! I've never heard of that device before. Hopefully, it's designed for someone who knows nothing whatsoever about electronics (me).

Thanks,

Keith

Update:

I've let the amplifier "idle" for a day or so and listened again this evening: much better. I also called a local electronics shop here in Portland that does exclusively stereo servicing and explained the problem. The owner told me bad capacitors make other noises, but not harsh sounding music (as others here on the Forum also wrote). I've set aside some time tomorrow to take a look inside, just to be sure everything looks virginal.

Thanks to all,

Keith

Final follow-up:

I looked at the capacitors and everything seems pristine. Also, I've left the amplifier idling for a few days and now...all sounds fine! No more harshness/brassiness/glare. I'll just leave it on from now on.

Thanks to all for your help,

Keith