2. amps-preamps
  3. 1303939400

when do you replace capacitors?

I have read that capacitors last around 20 years. So, do you just have caps replaced as they go bad, or at what point do you replace all the caps in an amp? Do resistors or other parts (other than tubes) degrade, so replacing caps will just lead to some other failure? Is it like trying to keep an old car running?

Asking because I still enjoy the tube amp (Baron) I've had for 16 years. Not the best, but American made, still supported by Mesa, and I am not convinced that newer is better re: tube amps, or at least, not within semi-rational budgetary constraints. Equivalent performance from new production could cost dearly.
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Showing 1 response by palasr

palasr
516 posts
 
Resistors are inert and don't really change over time (they can drift in value from thermal stress, but that's another matter).

Capacitors are a different story. Electrolytic capacitors are the ones to change; film types tend to last a very long time and rarely need to be changed. Electrolytics contain a semi-liquid dielectric compound that dries out over time (used or not) leading to catastrophic failure. Electrolytics tend to be larger in value (over a couple of microfarads); film type caps tend be much smaller in value (under 1 microfarad).
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