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 teo_audio

The capacitors in a 80's amplifier will be dried out. No doubt about it.
re-cap it. It does not matter that most capacitors will measure ok.

Audio gear is like a rope under load. 

You can't allow any part along the way to fail, as a minimal failure in one part constitutes being a overall 100% failure.  Not the perfect analogy but close enough.