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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 3 responses by kijanki

kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,394 posts
 
I agree with Jallen, that Jeffrey is spot on. I calculated from data provided by Nichicon on large electrolytic caps (I published it in different thread) that standard cap running in 35degC (95degF) has 80% of capacitance after 17.8 years. Long life or 105degC caps have much longer life. I would like to repeat what Jeffrey and Jallen said - don't have a cow, man - don't worry about it if it sounds good to you.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,394 posts
 
Jeff_jones,

There is no need to form new capacitors. When capacitors are unpowered for many years electrolyte eats out dielectric (aluminum oxide) lowering breakdown voltage. Such capacitor should be powered at the lower voltage, increasing it slowly for a day or two to rebuild dielectric (voltage presence builds up aluminum oxide).
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,394 posts
 
Magfan - I'm not sure what power cycling does. It improves something, I'm sure, since they recommended it, but don't really know. Capacitors in Maggies' crossover that affect imaging most likely aren't electrolytic but might settle like everything else amps, cables. It is also possible that speaker film needed some workout. At this point it would be guessing. I should've said that forming of new caps is not needed for voltage rating alone.
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