Do amplifiers deteriorate if not used?

Gs5556 - I suspected it has something to do with overvoltage. I read somwhere about hydrogen release (and explosion) in dry aluminium electrolytic caps.

On the other hand datasheet of the few brands I checked show shelf life only 1/2 of load life and my company uses sometimes in production (special orders) very old caps stored for few years and everything is fine. They shouldn't but we don't have system to trace "perishables".

Could the difference be caused by extreme working condition in many high power amps like high ripple current or voltage close to rated for the cap?

Where can I buy a variac?I got a ML 27.5 in storage,that is not being used for at least 4-5 years now.
Thanks
George

Yioryos - I just assume your ML27.5 has linear power supply. If it has SMPS it will not do anything (start) to about 70VAC then it will put full operating voltage on the caps.

You can buy variacs... just about anywhere (that sells electronic items, that is). In its simplest form, it's a wall-wart with a multiposition switch on it indicating different output voltages per position... You just need the appropriate variac (i.e. TALK to a sales tech)
Make sure you don't reach HIGHER voltage than the caps indicate (70? 80? V).

HOWEVER, I strongly suggest you get a TECHNICIAN to do this.

Gregm
Thanks for your help/
Kijanki
What is a SMPS power supply? also do you suggest I power up like normal or I still need a Variac?
George