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re capping

I hear the phrase 'recapping'. when do you know when you should 're cap' an amplifier? I have a McIntosh mc602 amp that sounds fine to me. I also have a McIntosh mx132 that works ok for me. I also have a bose 901 series 2 active equalizer that seems to work ok. the 'red' on light kinda flashes now and then. if my system sounds ok, should I worry about my units?
g_nakamoto
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,611 posts
 
@kosst_amojan

Sorry you didn’t get the jest! A social comment by me on the societal status of "facts" and "truth". They are, as considered by the more progressive citizens, as fluid concepts. The many shades of gray!😮
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
3,575 posts
 
Electrolyte is simply drying out.  Each 10degC temperature increase shortens the life of capacitor by factor of two.  Capacitor rated  60,000 hours at 25degC wil only last 30,000 hours at 35degC, 15,000 hours at 45degC  etc.  This can be found on many datasheets.

http://www.illinoiscapacitor.com/tech-center/life-calculators.aspx
czarivey
4,494 posts
 
recap needed when all caps gone.
Post removed 
kosst_amojan
2,095 posts
 
@hifiman5 

Gotcha! I'm all too familiar with the vintage nuts who obsess over the superior sonic character of old, dried out, leaking caps. I like to tell them if they like those so much, I've got hundreds of old nasty caps to sell them. 
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