The power capacitors in the power supply and in the other areas of the power supply usually begin to swell up and then that is a pretty good sign to replace them. The other reason to replace them is sound quality. I just recently upgraded the power supply capacitors and resistors in an older Spectral power amp and it went from OK sounding to excellent sounding. Bass and clarity plus smoother sounding.
life span/failure rate of filter capacitors?
(And I assume that the filter caps are the large electrolytic caps with the screw in terminals?)
The reason I am inquiring about this subject is that I stumbled on to an older thread started by someone who had a "filter cap explode" inside his 20 year old Cary V-12 monoblock. (Which is basically what I have, only mine is a single stereo amp.)
Anyway, I do know the specs on those large caps with the screw in terminals which I am thinking are aka filter caps are 560uf 400v.
Do these normally give any kind of warning before they let go? It does occasionally blow the 3A SB AC power fuse on start up.
TIA for any information/advice on this subject.
Showing 7 responses by bigkidz
Eric has provided good advice. Plus you may also begin to hear fluctuations in the music with power capacitors. If you are in the NYC area I can take a look at your unit. On Parts Connexion look for Nichicon Super Through parts. You can go up in value if you have to just make sure that they fit in the space you unit has. |
@immatthewj - if the amp is idle then those years typically do not count but it all depends on how much is was run for the 14 years.
Like I mentioned above, you can use a larger value but make sure they fit. You can call Chris Johnson at Parts Connexion and ask his advice as he was the manufacturer of Sonic Frontiers products back in the day.
Actually power caps are not as critical but they do have an impact on sound especially on bass response and clarity.
Happy Listening. |
@immatthewj - let me know what happens I am in New Jersey and can repair any audio component. |
In my experience, replacing the parts in the power supply section with better parts quality yields a sonic improvement. Last night we finished a Spectral power amplifier in stock form was nothing special. Replaced the two large PS caps with Nichicon, some other PS caps, resistors and plugged it in. Much better that I would consider buying this SS amplifier for myself now. |
@immatthewj - yes go up a size. Make sure that they will fit first. Mitsubishi caps are also good for the power supply, they usually run a little smaller. Next option is Michael Percy Audio. PM me with any questins.
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