2. vintage
  3. 163060-142670

To re-cap or not to re-cap? That is the question

I've got some very fine 1980s vintage equipment I love and don't want to replace. Recently, I was able to locate a company that repaired the drivers in my ailing speakers; I'd auditioned half a dozen excellent speakers in my home in anticipation of needing to replace my Teslas, and none pleased me as much. The amplifier has been serviced by a local audio engineer I trust--but he describes himself as a "recovering audiophile," and may not be the right person to ask what I want to ask here. Namely: should I have the capacitors in the amp, and perhaps also in the speakers' crossovers, replaced? Is there any other service protocol I should consider?

On the principle "don't fix it if it ain't broke," I'm inclined to leave well enough alone. I don't notice any audible deficit. But perhaps the system could sound even better?

Your sage advice will be appreciated.
128x128snilf

Showing 1 response by cakyol

cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 
You can pretty much leave all the film capacitors intact, unless they are showing any sign that they may have a problem.  If you MUST change them, a good brand is Mundorf.  But you dont have to go too fancy.  Some of them are ridiculously priced and you really do not need them.

As for electrolytics, after about 5-10 years, it is best to replace them all.  And when you do replace, if you can, substitute film capacitors into their place or choose higher voltage & temperature rated ones, if you can.  This may not be possible for larger caps since they just cannot make film capacitors of very hi capacitance values, but change as many as you can.

Here is an excellent site:
https://www.partsconnexion.com/film-capacitors.html
More to discover