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Rookie; replace my own amplifier caps??

Hi. I am mechanically oriented generally, and I have a knack for fixing things. I am decent with a soldering iron, and I understand the concept of "wicking" away old solder to replace a part. I love DIY projects. I have no, I say again no, training in electronics whatsoever, however. I am told that my 2001 Odyssey Audio Stratus Plus (120,000 uF capacitance) solid-state amp (I love it) likely needs cap replacements. I understand that "preventative" cap replacement is a hotly debated topic within itself; assume for my question the amp needs cap replacement. Is it likely that I could order a bucketload of Blackgate (or higher quality) caps of the correct values from PartsXpress and succesfully complete this project on my own? (Yes, I would unplug the amp) Thanks!
klipschking

Showing 1 response by jeffreybehr

jeffreybehr's avatar
jeffreybehr
805 posts
 
1. After only 10 years, main-powersupply caps do NOT need to be replaced. Maybe after 30 years, but not after 10.
2. I've never seen a debate about preventative replacement of main-PS caps, 'hot' or not.
3. There ain't nothin' higher quality than BlackGate 'lytics, but they were discontinued a year or 2 ago, and large values are really tough to find and expensive.

Unless the caps in your amp are leaking or bulging, and if your amp(s) works properly, do NOTHING to the PS caps.
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