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To re-cap or not to re-cap? That is the question

I've got some very fine 1980s vintage equipment I love and don't want to replace. Recently, I was able to locate a company that repaired the drivers in my ailing speakers; I'd auditioned half a dozen excellent speakers in my home in anticipation of needing to replace my Teslas, and none pleased me as much. The amplifier has been serviced by a local audio engineer I trust--but he describes himself as a "recovering audiophile," and may not be the right person to ask what I want to ask here. Namely: should I have the capacitors in the amp, and perhaps also in the speakers' crossovers, replaced? Is there any other service protocol I should consider?

On the principle "don't fix it if it ain't broke," I'm inclined to leave well enough alone. I don't notice any audible deficit. But perhaps the system could sound even better?

Your sage advice will be appreciated.
128x128snilf
elliottbnewcombjr
5,627 posts
 
Well now,

I have had a resistor or three replaced over the years, never anything more than that. Always checked out by pro when that was done.

Still, I always consider 'fixing' or 'upgrading' my vintage stuff, most from 1950's and 60's.

Problem is, they still sound great, they still are dead quiet.

I'm thinking, for my 75th Bday, I might have my McIntosh mx110z 'overhauled'. 

Yet, it sounds so damn good, I worry it might actually lose something.

Conclusion is always as you said, If it ain't broke, I ain't fixing it.
jdane
183 posts
 
How much time is there between the end of a burn-in period (for caps, cables, and power cords) and the moment to think about replacing them?
erik_squires
16,383 posts
 
Hi @elliottbnewcombjr

The issue with amps, and this varies a lot, is how much damage you can do if the electrolytic caps blow out.

With a preamp for instance, there's usually no more than +- 15V inside. At most you would blow a voltage regulator.

With an amplifier, with +- 60V or more, and high current, you can blow an entire amplifier board.  Maybe more important for solid state than tubes.

So, like Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry, you have to ask yourself, "Do you feel lucky, punk?"

I have also consistently read from many that these upgrades are often quite beneficial sounding.
cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 
You can pretty much leave all the film capacitors intact, unless they are showing any sign that they may have a problem.  If you MUST change them, a good brand is Mundorf.  But you dont have to go too fancy.  Some of them are ridiculously priced and you really do not need them.

As for electrolytics, after about 5-10 years, it is best to replace them all.  And when you do replace, if you can, substitute film capacitors into their place or choose higher voltage & temperature rated ones, if you can.  This may not be possible for larger caps since they just cannot make film capacitors of very hi capacitance values, but change as many as you can.

Here is an excellent site:
https://www.partsconnexion.com/film-capacitors.html
mid40sguy's avatar
mid40sguy
163 posts
 
You got great answers on the caps. Safety trumps sound quality and those electrolytic's are past their expiration date. Quality modern electrolytic's are significantly better that vintage ones so they need replaced.

Jdane; Caps tubes cables do break in. The time varies in my experience. I've found at 50 hours things are settling in. After 100 hours you should hear little or no changes.
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