Should I


Have a 30 plus year old Rowland model 5 amp.  Should I recap even though it works fine?

argee

Yes, they're at or past their expected life (in terms of meeting like new spec) But- I wouldn't sink the money into it. Buy a much newer pre-owned amp instead. There are dozens that are as good or far better and are pretty affordable. 

Yes, they're at or past their expected life (in terms of meeting like new spec) But- I wouldn't sink the money into it. Buy a much newer pre-owned amp instead. There are dozens that are as good or far better and are pretty affordable. 

I remember those amps well.  That was the first really nice amp I heard.  I don’t know about recapping, but that is a very high quality amp and worth keeping up with whatever it needs.  I totally disagree that you will find any used amp that’s even remotely close to that level of quality in the affordable category.  Good luck!

Capacitors can fail suddenly, and spectacularly.  That can cause damage to other components, not excluding speakers.  These amps run hot and after 30 years the caps will be well cooked, dried out and ready to blow.

Why not take it back to Rowland and have them re-cap it

I have 2 Model 12's, a model 201 and 102 I bought in 2009. Never even thought of that! I'll contact Jeff...Thx.