when do you replace capacitors?


I have read that capacitors last around 20 years. So, do you just have caps replaced as they go bad, or at what point do you replace all the caps in an amp? Do resistors or other parts (other than tubes) degrade, so replacing caps will just lead to some other failure? Is it like trying to keep an old car running?

Asking because I still enjoy the tube amp (Baron) I've had for 16 years. Not the best, but American made, still supported by Mesa, and I am not convinced that newer is better re: tube amps, or at least, not within semi-rational budgetary constraints. Equivalent performance from new production could cost dearly.
lloydc
Do ALL the caps at one time when you decide to have them done.
Twenty years is a safe period.
It might not be neccessary to have all of them done then, but better that, if you really like the amp, then have one blow up on you suddenly.
I you want to do them early, no problem. Especially if the company is still able to do it for you, instead of some third party.
Think of it this way: if you do them now, that gives you 20 MORE years of service from now. And in four years, heaven forbid, maybe they will not be able to redo them for you.
Elizabeth,
Does a stored or "retired" component experience aging of the capacitors and resistors at the same rate of speed as a component actually being used over the years?
Thanks. Will plan on doing it before long. Naturally, I want better capacitors than the manufacturer would use, at least in some spots, so a third party will be needed.