How long can a electrolytic capacitor last un-used?


Do electrolytic capacitors have a shelf life? I’ve an opportunity to buy an mono amplifier with 20 year old capacitors that have under 700 hours total use. The amps sound perfect without any issues. VTL Siegfried MK 1.
hiendmmoe
@hiendmmoe That was a while ago!


If that's the amp you want, just consider replacing the filter caps. I would offer a price that reflects that repair cost, unless that's baked in already.
@atmasphere Thanks Ralph. I appreciate your offer very much. Since Ward of Audio Research passed away I’ve been wary of buying older equipment due to enormous expensive of servicing and shipping. I’ll definitely keep that in mind. I miss coming over there and shooting the … with you guys. Mike Moe
@hiendmmoe I should have said 'offer to the seller a price for the amp' in my last post. While we usually repair equipment on the side, at this point we are too busy to take in repairs.