Who has info on R&R caps in ARC D90B amp?


Does anyone have experience to share on replacing the filter caps on an Audio Research D90B?

Those grey caps stacked in the middle, any diy using ARC's "sled" replacement or any others? They are twist locks and looks like a challenge to remove, even using two soldering irons and a helping hand to pull it free.

The amp is running fine now, but discussion suggests the caps are past thier prime and age related failure is emminet.

Your thoughs please.
128x128sneauxman
I have talked w/ARC - the Cap "Sled" is $500 !!! too much considering the amps value "used" is only $1000 - $1200 and add $490 + shipping both ways for them to do it...I already spent close to $1k retubing with NOS GE 6L6GC's & Amperex "PQ" White Lable 6922's.

With that, the amp runs DEAD QUITE and really sings, said to rival ARC's Reference Series!!! This really is one of their best ever designs.....worth keeping.

Just want to update the caps (before they fail)...I would really like to keep it as a DIY...the (8) Nichicon KX caps are only $68 from Mouser!!

The challenge aside from removing the old ones is to design a nice drop-in replacement (which ARC has). I have developed a few ideas, but it would be nice to see how they do it.

Hifigeek...thanks for the tip on the IC trick....I have the amp's voltages and balance tweeked through out..hope not to have to do the IC again.

Additionally, I 'm thinking of using the copper mesh tape to help suck up the solder during the removal process...your thoughts.

Thanks!
I use a solder sucker. I don't find solder wick all that useful unless I'm repairing a CB trace.
Hello Hifigeek1,

What type of solder sucker would you recommend?

I've used the quick release type and it also sucks the copper tracing off the board.

Also, the small squeeze bulb doesn't work either.

btw, the amp is still going strong, no issues or noise...just sweet music.

Thanks & Regards--
If you are sucking the trace off the board, you are overheating the trace. I just use a standard blue colored solder sucker from OK Industries.