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Do caps deteriorate with time even if an amp is not being used?

Recently I was considering purchasing an amp which was ten years old but had only been used for a couple of hundred hours before being put in climate controlled storage.  I know capacitors will wear out over time, however if the unit is not in use does the mere passage of time have an effect on their efficacy and longevity?? 
Thanks for your thoughts on this...

weebeesdad
rodman99999
5,981 posts
 
A big YES! Though(often) careful reforming can restore them(their dielectric) to original specs. (http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.823.6133&rep=rep1&type=pdf) If you’re going to buy that amp, buy a variac too(unless a friend owns one).  ie: (http://www.ebay.com/bhp/variac)
jafant
18,798 posts
 
Yes. Caps require replacing around 10-15 years w/ age.
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
I don’t think the capacitors really wear out over time; instead, the electrolytic "paste" reacts with the metallized container or wrapping IIRC.

Other types of caps should not be (as) affected, but 10, 15, 20 years is about it (tho my Sunfire amp is still going strong).
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Yes. A capacitors two worst enemies are age and lack of use.
Caps rely a lot on memory, and require cycling (turning on/off) to keep their storage memory secure. Charge and discharge.
Not cycling an amp for years can certainly shorten the lifespan of the caps.
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