Old SS amps

Id plan on having amp recapped at some point if you buy it. Ive read that electrolitic capacitors dry up, leak, swell after about 15 to 20 years. Probably factors such as cap quality, use, environment play a part.

Bought a Carver M400 amp and C4000 pre  new in 1980.

Waited a bit too long, but had them recapped 40 years later. They were in storage about 10 years of that time.  Definately needed it.

Ive read that electrolitic capacitors dry up, leak, swell after about 15 to 20 years.

@bikefi10 

That’s mostly an urban legend though. Look at your Carver M400: these amps are notably unreliable due to their tight packaging and, well, Carver - yet the caps in it have lasted 40 years.

I have a 40-year old Sumo Andromeda 200wpc amp in 24/7 use for the last seven years. Designed by James Bongiorno of SAE, SWTP, GAS, Dynaco, SST fame. All original parts! Sounds fine! Bought it on eBay for $450. 

I have an Adcom GFA-1 and a Carver M400 cube amp in my collection yet to be tried out. Along with several tube amps of varying ages.

Also in present use is a Carver TFM-15cb that I bought fifteen years ago at my local Goodwill for $25. Working fine!