Yamaha A 500 Integrated Amp Modifications

Time for new power caps.

Otherwise, either love it as is, or swap it. :) 

Best,

E

Thanks Erik.  Yes, I liked it as it was previously.  Wasn't sure if there could be anything else done to improve it further.  

Power caps are Capacitors, correct?

Much much better coupling capacitors are available, as well power capacitors 4pole caps by Jensen,or Mundorf ,increase suzes by 50% in microfareds if room.are the best,as well  are better resistors, 
NEOTECH 6-9S copper Wiring   all connectors to  Copper Gold Type. Fuses and holders get rid of cheap steel fuses. Much better diodes, bridge rectifiers
Torroidal transformer  Piltron  Black double potted type . 
This is if it is worth it . This is probably over $ 1200, to do this depending on prices and labor st $75 an hour.

I forgot switches very important Elna Swiss Silver contacts  And get a much better  volume attenuator and nee on off switches.
 This is a true rebuild  for just a few areas would not do .a lot of cheap parts 
For sure in original model.  If it is something  you want forever.
Personally  if you could afford it by s nice used Through Reno hifi ,or online
The excellent Pass labs integrated amps .all depending on Loudspeaker demand.

Power supply capacitors do indeed degrade, and if they fail (as they will) they can destroy your speakers. Since modern ones are often physically smaller, you may be able to fit modern ones with a higher capacity into the same case, for more dynamic headroom. Avoid audiophile caps: those from mainstream manufacturers are often better quality and cheaper.
Price is relevant here, because at least in Europe you can buy this amplifier’s modern successor, the Yamaha AS 501, for only about 350 euro. It is more powerful, measures better, and also has digital inputs. See here for a test of the previous model, the AS500 without the digital inputs but otherwise identical: http://www.avhub.com.au/product-reviews/hi-fi/yamaha-a-s500-amplifier-review-test-395710
It measures better than many audiophile amplifiers costing sometimes ten times more. In particular, frequency response under varying realistic load is stunning (within 0.05 dB). This is a perfect straight wire with gain. So don’t spend too much on refurbishing the old amplifier.