2. amps-preamps
  3. 152260-136262

The sound of electrolytic capacitors failing

My system (all 20-30 year old high end gear) has started to have a sound problem. I'm hearing some breakup on peaks and a few Db shift to the right side in balance for the first hour or two of playing. At some point after that, everything suddenly snaps into a proper sound, usually in the middle of a song. I know the problem is either in my preamp or amp. Could it be one of the power supply caps breaking down? Any other ideas?
pprocter
pprocter OP
29 posts
 
That was a great suggestion,Thanks!
It’s in my amp, the power supply caps are US$190 per side. :-(

erik_squires
16,185 posts
 
Have your amp checked out soon. $190 is a lot, but not as much as having a bad cap take out all the power transistors, or a speaker. :)


atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,849 posts
 
@erik_squires A bad filter capacitor won't take out power transistors but it should damage the power *transformer*.
erik_squires
16,185 posts
 
@atmasphere 

OH, well, even better!
pprocter OP
29 posts
 
One question that remains unanswered: What changes in the sound when a power cap is failing? 
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