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When to recap?

I have a McIntosh MC 2200 amp. Production to the best of my knowledge is the mid to late 70s. I love the sound of this amp, and it will be a keeper for me for quite some time.

This is one of the oldest pieces of gear I own. So my question is, should I consider taking it in to get all the capacitors replaced? My fear is neglecting to do that, and then it will cost me all that much more. (Plus I'll be out of an amp the entire time it will be repaired)

Is this fear unfounded? Again, I plan to keep this amp for quite sometime. Thanks in advance for any suggestions and advice.
brad34695
rodman99999
6,156 posts
 
I should have qualified my statements by mentioning that
your
caps, in those 40 years, have gone through a combination of
those two dynamics. In other words; what would be
considered,
"time in service" and "shelf life",
assuming that the amp was not constantly powered up, or
completely unused, in those years. Thus; they will have
gone
through the dielectric deterioration(storage) and healing
process(during use), a multitude of times. Then there's the
factor of the electrolyte drying out, over those years.
Bottom line:
Replace your electrolytics(at least)! Your ears will thank
you.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,807 posts
 
Yes- its not a matter of which electrolytics in the power supply, its a matter of *change them all in the whole amp*!
btselect
26 posts
 
I would also recommend replacing all of the electrolytics, I replace them whenever newer and improved models become available, from my experience the difference is staggering.
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