Caps and transformers replace? Responsible for weak sound?

  • Thread starter Thread starter BrentSSL
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BrentSSL

BrentSSL

Active member
I have had a couple amps from the 90's that sounded weak I was wondering if its the caps or age on the transformers? Or is it usually bad tubes and should I be concerned with the duration of life of the transformers? The main 2 amps I have had this problem with in the past is a DC10 and a Black face chrome chassis rectifier. Since I have a 95 Racktifier I recently purchased currently being shipped I was wondering if there is anything I should be concerned with? Let me know thanks
 
I have an old Carvin X100B I purchased back in 88 or 89. I had the filter caps replace early last year. They did not look bad. The amp actually played fine. after they were replaced, I noticed the amp was a little more focused and a tighter low end. I am not sure if this difference came from the new caps or because the caps were a different brand. Overall I like it better now.
 
Order of likelyhood, 1. old power tubes 2. old filter caps 487,138,974,190. Output transformer. Though if the power tubes die very violently they can take out the output transformer but they are generally pretty tough cookies.
 
thanks for your help guys i would appreciate some more detail if possible but thanks
 
BrentSSL":1nbo5759 said:
thanks for your help guys i would appreciate some more detail if possible but thanks
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Thanks but no thanks? They tried to help you.

PT's and OT's don't normally go bad and when they do it's not a weak sound.

Electrolytic caps have a life span around 10 years. If they have not been replaced on yours then it's only a matter of time.

I would start with tubes before going any further.
 
even if your filter caps haven't been replaced, my understanding is that electrolytic capacitor design, functionability and stability is much better than even 20 years ago, so it might well be worth getting a set of NEW ones from a seller....not just buying a new set..but actually asking when they were made or how long they've been on the shelf.

i plan on doing my 5150 with all F&t caps soon, and that's the route i'll be taking...
 
BrentSSL":1ipbt94p said:
I have had a couple amps from the 90's that sounded weak I was wondering if its the caps or age on the transformers? Or is it usually bad tubes and should I be concerned with the duration of life of the transformers? The main 2 amps I have had this problem with in the past is a DC10 and a Black face chrome chassis rectifier. Since I have a 95 Racktifier I recently purchased currently being shipped I was wondering if there is anything I should be concerned with? Let me know thanks
Click to expand...
Best to submit technical questions on MetroAmp Forum.
 
Very unlikely that the problem is the transformer(s). Transformers can last many, many years. Iron does not get tired and sound weak over time. It's probably not the caps, either. I'd say it's the power tubes, or possibly a preamp tube. Having said that, there is a slight chance that a weak amp is the result of a partially fried OT, but that would have been caused by a catastrophic output tube failure, which you would know about. It's not going to happen while the amp is sitting in the closet.
 
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