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JimAnsell
Well-known member
just curious if there is a known window of time and amp can be "in storage", un-used, before the electrolytic caps are negatively effected?
when it comes to electrolytic caps. how long does an amp have to be in non-use for the caps to "Dry out"?
scottosan
Well-known member
I would think there are additional factor outside of just time. Heat and humidity I would think are huge factors
anomaly
Well-known member
Probably years. I wouldn't leave an amp untouched for 10 - 20 years for example. I think as long as you plug an amp in at least once or twice a year you are good to go, but then what do I know???
BeZo
Well-known member
If you can't play all your amps at least once a year, you have too many amps. Sell some to me.
sahlomonic
Well-known member
Too many variables to pinpoint any approximate shelf life to be honest.
I've heard many accounts of techs and players saying they had played an amp that was untouched for decades without issue.
I've heard many accounts of techs and players saying they had played an amp that was untouched for decades without issue.
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Racerxrated
Well-known member
If you look at the caps and don’t notice any bulging, leaking and the amp sounds great like it should, you are probably fine. If they look ok and the amp sounds thin, they probably need changing(if the tubes aren’t the issue).
BesaMoogie
Well-known member
The safest way to turn up an amp that hasn’t been touched in years is to use an variac and slowly turn up the voltage. Watch for cap bulging and bad smell when the caps are recharged.
glpg80
Well-known member
The correct answer hasn’t been mentioned yet…. It’s based on the peak to peak ripple on top of the Rectified voltage. Yes you also inspect for the physical buldging of the caps as they warm up but caps don’t operate on looks alone. Ripple is a specification of tolerance and cap health. You also have to disconnect one leg of each cap and measure the ESR or discharge time. Bad caps have horrible discharge time constants.
skoora
Well-known member
If the amp sounds weird when you turn it on, it’s been too long. I known I have too many amps now as I often think..I should fire those two up for the caps…lol.. I wonder if I’ll still buy more amps?…. ?
