2. amps-preamps
  3. 181479-171531

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.

immatthewj

Showing 1 response by petaluman

petaluman
182 posts
 

Note that loss of capacitance would result in poorer filtration and eventually an increase in your noise floor.

Nelson Pass is one of my audio idols, but I'm not sure his words are entirely relevant to the OP.  Cap lifetime may not be the same in tube & ss amps.  The energy is stored at a much higher voltage for tubes, ss power supplies hold a lot more charge.

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