2. amps-preamps
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Importance of recapping a SS amp?

I have an Odyssey Stratos power amp that I purchased new in 2000. It has been suggested that it should be recapped just because of its age. I've not detected any sonic decline. Is this considered standard practice with a solid state amp of this age? When I've googled it, most of hits concern vintage tube amps.

Thanks for any advice.

Jim
jmg1949
pops
2,272 posts
 
Boat engines need using also....just sayin...
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Jl35, exactly right !
Time and again I've listened to systems where the owner says said amp is 18 years old and good as ever.
It never is but, as you say, he's so used to the gradual decline he can't hear it.
jmg1949 OP
18 posts
 
'Again, Odyssey can best advise you what to do.'

Actually, it was Klaus at Odyssey who recommended this. I have had only good experiences dealing with him over the years but wondered what the conventional wisdom was, if any. As with many issues with this hobby, opinions appear mixed.

'It never is but, as you say, he's so used to the gradual decline he can't hear it.'

My hearing has probably declined in synch with the amp.:)

Jim
jl35
3,918 posts
 
The manual for my Pass amp states that the power supply caps can start to deteriorate at 15 years.
stewie
187 posts
 
I have a vintage Kenwood Supreme 600 from 1974. In 2006 I had it recapped, and it was overdue, but not by 17 years. You couldn't hear any degradation in sound, but the big caps had started to bulge at the bottom. After the recap, things were brighter and cleaner. Good for another 20-25 I'd say.
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