Atmasphere, My calculation based on Nichicon data shows that at 35degC (95degF) standard caps should have 80% of capacitance after 17.8 years. Each 10degC cuts life in half, so I would estimate not more than 10 years for caps in hotter amps unless 105degC or long life caps are used. When ESR of the cap increases to cause substantial heating from ripple current they get even higher ESR (since ESR increases with temperature) and thermal runaway causing to blow fuse or scored top. It happens when capacitor is very old and starts running hot. It should be easy to detect such caps especially since there should be other symptoms like less dynamic sound, poorly defined bass, 120Hz noise etc.
I can understand that many audiophiles have "gardener's syndrome" (constant need to trim and re-pot) but if it sounds good to you - don't touch it.
I can understand that many audiophiles have "gardener's syndrome" (constant need to trim and re-pot) but if it sounds good to you - don't touch it.