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Rookie; replace my own amplifier caps??

Hi. I am mechanically oriented generally, and I have a knack for fixing things. I am decent with a soldering iron, and I understand the concept of "wicking" away old solder to replace a part. I love DIY projects. I have no, I say again no, training in electronics whatsoever, however. I am told that my 2001 Odyssey Audio Stratus Plus (120,000 uF capacitance) solid-state amp (I love it) likely needs cap replacements. I understand that "preventative" cap replacement is a hotly debated topic within itself; assume for my question the amp needs cap replacement. Is it likely that I could order a bucketload of Blackgate (or higher quality) caps of the correct values from PartsXpress and succesfully complete this project on my own? (Yes, I would unplug the amp) Thanks!
klipschking
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Audiofiel, do you think there is any wisdom in having the factory check out you gear at the 10 year marker, assuming of course that the gear is a keeper. My thought is that even if nothing has failed, the values of some of the internal parts, e.g., resisters, caps, etc., may no longer be at spec. If so, they may need to be changed.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Under normal circumstances and use, I see no need to do this. If it ain't broke don't fix it, as the saying goes.

However, if it will help you sleep better and don't mind the expense, indulge yourself.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Thanks Audiofeil. As the old adage goes, "if three people tell you you're drunk, lie down." You are the third person who has offered the same advice. I'm a believer -- which is also a Monkeys hit from the late 60s. Guess I'm showing my age.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
Audiofeil, changing caps is as easy as changing socks for me. My advice was wrong because of the word "rookie". I'm so accustomed to working on electronic equipment that my mind "automatically" takes care of a multitude of things that could go wrong. "If it ain't broke, but it ain't working right, that tells me to fix it". Not so for a rookie.

By the same token, people who have been in analog since "the gramaphone" will advise "rookies" to buy used TT, arm and cartridge without taking into consideration the complexities of setup.

All people who have been in audio "since forever" should take into consideration the experience level of the person they are advising.
jeff_jones
418 posts
 
Is there any need or upside to forming (initially applying voltage at particular levels and time) audio power caps?
I'm not sure at what point (volts/ampacity/design) forming is recommended but if the OP is going to be somewhat of a perfectionist about the caps I figured it was worth asking the group.
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