Electrolytic capacitors

Don't worry, caps can be replaced.

You need to reform the caps before powering up (to reduce the risk of them blowing up when powered up the first time)....after four years of storage this is a significant risk.

These kind of caps tend to dry out after many years - so yes, in theory the fact that they are four years old will reduce the life expectancy of the device - even if it is new in the box unused - the good news is the re-capping is EASY!!

In another thread, there is some suggestion about the Variacs to power up SS amps that have been in storage for a while. Would some one please tell me how to find out about the value of the electrolytic caps inside the amps ? I was lucky with my last purchase, the BAT VK20 which is new in the sealed box made in 2001. The unit did not blow up in my face and works as new. Recently, I have ordered some 4/5 years old new in box Parasound amps and processor for my HT and now I wonder if I am pushing my luck. It seems the odd is against buying used or discontinued gear but why there are so many buy/sale transactions ? Are people aware of this "bang explosion" electrolytic caps deal ?

Get the seller to power it up for 24 hours. If they want to pay to have it done on a variac, great. If they want to gamble, that's on them too.

Get the seller to power it up for 24 hours. If they want to pay to have it done on a variac, great. If they want to gamble, that's on them too.

Great idea if you can get this done for you....but then it is no longer a factory sealed box - so the seller may not be willing to break the seals on the packaging.

4 or 5 years is no problem. 8 or 9 of zero use is starting to get to where you should worry a little. Over 20 you need to consider replacement. This is my experience as an EE.

There are thousands of capacitors for sale at Newark and Digikey that have been on the shelf for years, waiting to be sold and no one uses a variac when they power them up for the first time. I have powered up MANY converters and power supplies in my lab that sat for at least a decade and there was never any issue. You are worrying way too much about this. Just enjoy the music.

Arthur

A lot depends on the environment that the unit was stored in- expect that in a damp environment the caps will not last as long, and maybe after only 2-3 years (for example in a basement) the caps will be suffering if the unit has been in storage the whole time. OTOH drier environments, and particularly with lower voltage equipment (IOW, not tubes) 4-5 years is *usually* no sweat.

FWIW The half life of electrolytics seems to be about 15-20 years, IOW in that time about 1/2 of them will be failing.

You are worrying way too much about this. Just enjoy the music.

This is the normal situation for audiophiles - we worry about everything even what bit of wire is used between items.

we worry about everything even what bit of wire is used between items

Don't feed the troll.

Thank you, Shadorne, Atmasphere, Elevick for your responses. Arthur, with your background in EE, your advice is deeply appreciated. I have just received an e-mail from Parasound that addressed my concern about the Electrolytic caps and I feel much better now. Mwilson, Is it somekind of self reflection of oneself in the mirror?

I worry even what I feed trolls. Because it COULD make a audible difference.