2. misc-audio
  3. 174149-107

Lifespan of components?

How long can we expect a well designed component to last before it fails? I am assuming that eventually everything fails. I am looking at my system, and the oldest pieces here are in the 50 year range. Some components should be easy to replace if they fail- a capacitor, resistor of transistor, but other things not so easy- a transformer or an integrated circuit, and if they fail, their often unobtainable status means its the end if the road unless a parts donor can be found. In some ways I think it could be easier to give a 1960’s component a new lease on life after a failure than a 1980’s IC based wonder that has failed. 

zavato

Showing 1 response by 4krowme

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4krowme
542 posts
 

Electrolytic capacitors have shelf life, used or not. No doubt heat plays a role in their demise, but even sitting new on a shelf will eventually make a difference. It is the gel used inside of them that will eventually change with time. Just physics.

 I had a PS Audio P500 which was still working, BUT some of the power caps were so dry they rattled. In this case, they weren't so old, but in heat environment that took their lives.

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