In my experience, replacing the parts in the power supply section with better parts quality yields a sonic improvement. Last night we finished a Spectral power amplifier in stock form was nothing special. Replaced the two large PS caps with Nichicon, some other PS caps, resistors and plugged it in. Much better that I would consider buying this SS amplifier for myself now.
life span/failure rate of filter capacitors?
(And I assume that the filter caps are the large electrolytic caps with the screw in terminals?)
The reason I am inquiring about this subject is that I stumbled on to an older thread started by someone who had a "filter cap explode" inside his 20 year old Cary V-12 monoblock. (Which is basically what I have, only mine is a single stereo amp.)
Anyway, I do know the specs on those large caps with the screw in terminals which I am thinking are aka filter caps are 560uf 400v.
Do these normally give any kind of warning before they let go? It does occasionally blow the 3A SB AC power fuse on start up.
TIA for any information/advice on this subject.
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@bigkidz , I can believe that. You were saying that it is okay to go up in value; the manual says that the power caps in this amp are 400v and 560 microfarads. If Parts Connexion does not have electrolytic caps with screw in terminals of those specs, you are saying it is okay to go up to the next size on both values? Thanks/Matt
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@immatthewj - yes go up a size. Make sure that they will fit first. Mitsubishi caps are also good for the power supply, they usually run a little smaller. Next option is Michael Percy Audio. PM me with any questins.
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So all of this is based on an anecdotal 'exploding cap' experience from some dude?.. I've embraced capacitors as a topic across audio enthusiasts; the mystery around them, the (at times) compulsion to replace, the continual attribution of any technical or sound issue towards capacitors - it's an interesting mental phenomenon, reminds me a bit of UFO and alien stories. First off, I probably don't believe the exploding cap story, maybe, but I'd bet against it happening. I've seen guys mistake common glue as leaky caps continually - they don't know what they're looking at. Large power caps, probably not too far out of spec would be my bet, and if the amp gets that hot continually it might signify another issue. The higher the temp rating, the less 'audiophile' the cap usually. I agree with the poster above there are far more important caps to focus on - filter, but also the many across signal, and usually always good practice to see where you can replace with film wherever possible. It's the small ones which fall out of spec, have a direct impact to signal while in the path, and have the most improvement to sound quality when replaced/upgraded. |
- 54 posts total