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
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.
Jeff_jones,

There is no need to form new capacitors. When capacitors are unpowered for many years electrolyte eats out dielectric (aluminum oxide) lowering breakdown voltage. Such capacitor should be powered at the lower voltage, increasing it slowly for a day or two to rebuild dielectric (voltage presence builds up aluminum oxide).
>>09-26-11: Orpheus10
Audiofeil, changing caps is as easy as changing socks for me<<

Every 20 years right?

That aside, there is no valid reason to change caps based on the OP's information.

And one day you will no longer be a rookie orifice 10.

Be patient.
Audiofiel has been bent out of shape every since I asked a question about SS amps as opposed to tube amps, and he kept hounding me about my speakers. Since I have custom speakers and only wanted some kind of answer in regard to the amp question, I tried to avoid going into speaker detail because I knew no one could equate anything with my custom speakers; but Audiofiel was most insistent that I divulge my speakers. Then, after I gave every detail in regard to my custom speakers, he had no response. Every since then he's had "his knickers in a twit" and gets some kind of adverse reaction every time I post. Maybe you can get him to explain it.

08-20-10: Orpheus10
Audiofiel, my speakers are custom built 3 way. The crossover was designed by an eccentric engineer who did nothing else. It utilizes Solen Metallized polypropylene capacitors for the woofer, and Jantzen Superior Series Z-capacitors for the midrange and tweeter. The tweeter is a ESS Heil air motion transformer, the mid driver is Vifa 6 inch mid woofer, the woofer is a 12 inch Pioneer. Each driver has it's own crossover, that means three crossovers per side. Speaker wire is maximized for each driver; copper silver composite for the tweeter and so on. It is a 3-way 4th order T-type; the crossover frequencies are 400/2500; 92DB efficiency. At present, they are operating on the 4 ohm out of a tube amp.

The ESS AMT is a dipole, this accentuates the "Holographic" sound stage which is behind the speakers, that appear for the most part to be useless pieces of furniture. Non audiophiles have to get up and look behind the speakers for hidden speakers, since that is where the sound is emanating from.

If this is not a good enough descripiton, I can provide more.
Orpheus10 (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

This thread was titled "Trade off, SS power vs tube magic" read the thread and explain Monsieur Audiofiel's problem to me.

In regard to my question back then, Monsieur Audiofiel; now that you know the "speaker variable", how would you advise?