I'm one of those old techs (73) you're talking about. I'm a retired EE who likes breathing life back into these old gems and making people happy doing it. Thanks for recognizing guys like myself!

Yes sir, will be 71 this month, and have been repairing stuff more than 50 years... Thank You!

As an old technician from way back I'm glad to hear there's still jobs out there :)

Another retired EE here, age 68. I designed hardware for the industrial automation market and I completely agree with you. Aluminum electrolytics were voltage derated 50%, e.g. we spec'd a 50 volt cap for a 24 VDC circuit because reliability is paramount in that business. In consumer gear it's not uncommon to see a 25 Volt cap in a 24 VDC circuit. So when you recap, spend a little more to get a higher voltage rating and if available, 105 degree C temperature rating rather than 85 degrees. A little more filter capacitance, e.g. replacing a 470 uF with 560 or 680 in the same case size, can't hurt but the voltage rating upgrade, e.g. 25 VDC to 35 is the most bang for the buck for reliability.

It feels great to have a piece of vintage audio equipment that has been recapped.

I totally agree with you, just acquired a Marantz 2220B spent over $300 replacing all caps, pre-amp transistors and new tungsten lights to preserve its original look and its working perfect . In my opinion money well spent . Great video and good information.

@DG-uw6wx

Жыл бұрын

A Marantz is an investment... not a reciever.

@foobarmaximus3506

Жыл бұрын

@@DG-uw6wx please

@jalander8817

Жыл бұрын

Marantz it awesome. I’ve got he same model. So if you buy a Marantz and get a good deal at $400 (which is a reasonable price if bought in the private market) then another $300 on all the work you mentioned… doesn’t sound like a great deal to me.

@andyman8630

Жыл бұрын

i used to 'gain match' pre-amp transistors

@doordash-nh1ih

10 ай бұрын

Seems the hard part is getting cosmetics. Like oem knobs and such.

Fully agree. Capacitors are full of nasty chemicals and not doing preventative maintenance is putting your precious vintage gear at risk of much bigger trouble sooner rather than later. And putting equivalent or better quality capacitors can do no harm whatsoever. None.

@emelle1283

10 ай бұрын

what nasty chemicals? And what sort of trouble from them?

@brianhammer5107

10 ай бұрын

@@emelle1283 electrolytics! PCP's! corrosive on the printed circuit board, etc.

@blackterminal

6 ай бұрын

Thats if you have the right tools to replace them properly. Otherwise boards get wrecked.

@tikkiu7345

4 ай бұрын

​@@blackterminalOr decent soldering technique, you can repair them with meager tools with enough skill, comes with practice, there's PLENTY of junk out there to practice on, cheaper than a £10000 university debt.

IF you are gonna recap for someone you owe it to them to give them the old caps you removed even if they just throw them out. So they can see what you accomplished.

@user-tz6wj2bw9i

2 ай бұрын

I’ve debated this a lot with myself. I’ve decided the best thing to do is replace the caps. But when you cut out the old ones, keep the leads as long as possible. This way you can put them back in a make it original to get top dollar when you sell it. I’ve seen people sleeve new caps in the old cap cardboard.

For three days i changed caps in my tuner JVC FX-50L. Most of capacitors was Matsushita and Towa capacitors so i took almost all of them out and put Panasonic and Nichicon back in and those 2 capacitors from the signal path received Elna cerafine caps and i have to say that i am blown away about the results. So dinamic so detailed and the hights are just sweet. In a shop nobody would have done such a work unless the customer requests it and than you are not sure if it will sound better or just worse. I was lucky to hit the right caps on the right spot this time, i did had changed caps in other unit and i was absolutely dissapointed. Now to be honest i don't know how did my tuner sounded for 40 years soon after it was built but i am happy with the results i got this time. It was worth the hassle. I wish all the people Happy New Year.

@mikeparker7709

2 ай бұрын

Try replacing the electrolytic coupling capacitors with metal film. I've never been able to hear a difference in capacitors brands or that more costly caps sounded better in power supply or decoupling stages. But after changing electrolytic coupling caps with film, very notable improvement. Especially the first stage input coupling capacitors on power amplifiers.

I just had my Sansui G8000 completely recapped in July. Lights were replaced with LEDs. Cleaned up etc. (Sounds Classic in Rockford, ILL. Thank You Mark Peabody!) I am so glad I did. This old girl is good for another 40 years. It sounds wonderful and looks fantastic. It was worth every penny! Listen to what this guy is saying. Take care of your vintage gear and it will serve you well.

@pametnaradionica

8 ай бұрын

I still use my two G series Sansui`s. Still going strong, never replaced a single cap, though I`ve cleaned pots many times. Sansui used some really good caps.

I recently had my SX-1250 restored. It made a big difference in sound. Much cleaner with no hiss or hum. MONEY WELL SPENT.

My Support for all you experts keeping our equipment alive !!! Regards

I collect vintage QUAD and Have spent a small fortune getting my 50 year old units being fully restored by a 77 year old Quad Guru. I completely agree with you on this. In many respects my valve and solid state stuff actually sounds better and far exceeds original factory specifications

Couldn't agree more. I tend to lean on replace more of them, not less. I'm 67, retiring in 1 month and do this as a hobby. Maybe I break even on a restored receiver if I resell it. But it keeps me busy, my hands working and my mind thinking - and, well, it's fun!

Had a huge cap pop on my 1980 and I couldn't believe how expensive those things were to buy new. But I played it safe and spent the $500 bucks and changed all four. Now it sounds way more valuable! Haha. One scientific thing to keep in mind is how perception is truly all in your head. Even if there's absolutely no difference in the measurable sound, it sounds way better to me.

Excellent segment sir, I have seen the differences recently in putting the work in to get a small simple unit back to its prime for not so much the sound but as safe and reliable operation. Under took a project with a tech friend of mine on a small vintage Harman kardon integrated amp, replaced many of the old parts in power supply, main filter Caps and other sections, replaced a broken selection switch, I noticed certain weird things that came from age disappeared such a the “motor boating sound” emitted from phono section and the unit did seem to perform better. Thank you again for highlighting the importance of replacing and overhauling these old units and what key areas to work on🙏🏾🙏🏾💯💯👍🏾👍🏾🔥, keep up great work!

Another great open and honest video. Thanks for helping me learn loads on this new hobby.

Thank you for the well-worded explanation of this topic, much appreciated. At almost 50 years old, my Sansui 7070 was just in the shop for new parts, cheap parts as you say, but the labor, not so much. Over $300.00 was spent because it one day just wouldn't power up anymore so that was money well spent.

One of the most intelligent No BS videos about an aspect of HiFi that I’ve viewed in a long while. Thank you!!

@skylabsaudio

Жыл бұрын

Wow. Thank you. That means a lot. Kevin

I’ve been collecting vintage audio for over 40 years and you my friend are 100% bang on everything you said I agree totally excellent video. Thanks from Canada🇨🇦

@konnorj6442

Жыл бұрын

Indeed another canuck here and instated with such when most of what is now vintage was still New :)

He is so right I bow to you loving hearing about the stuff I know about and he's on point.

Awesome commentary, and some great points. Would love to see a video in regard to the actual dissection of a few “still working”, vintage capacitors, in direct comparison to the dissected “brand new” modern replacements that would replace them. Along with your opinions on the best (your preferred) modern replacement brands, and why. Maybe consider an additional segment on replacing passive speaker crossovers, and causes of their failures, as well. Would be great. Thanks for your time. Thumbs upped, and subbed. 👍

Saw this vid this morning (right before turkey prep) and want to share I changed the caps in the power supply and the primary signal path in my Marantz 7T and it changed the sound. Detail was improved as was stereo separation. Also cleaned all rotary switches, plus toggles and 1/4" jack connections. I have had this unit as original since the '70s and love the way is sounds now. Not a big difference, but noticeable. All caps tested in range, too. Also changed some caps in my Crown DC150-II for IOC issue and it's back in action. One of these days I will change the filter caps in my Crown DC300-II. Happy Thanksgiving!

Excellent video on the point of changing capacitors that are 50 years old. Yesterday I got a 1973 Kenwood integrated amp that was filthy and needed cleaning just from the dirt and also cleaning the switches and potentiometers. I did that and it sounds amazingly clear and powerful. BUT, as this video pointed out to me, these power and filter capacitors are 50 years old and I believe are on borrowed time. My nearest shop to have the work done is 190 miles from where I live. I would rather have them to this than my low-level beginner to do it. Thank you very much for a very persuasive presentation on the situation that I am living in right now!

lots of good insight into far more than replacing the capacitors - Thank You !!

Totally agree. I have noticed a slight sound difference when doing a total recap. Not better or worse. Just slightly cleaner. I think the "warm" sound is leaky cap distortion.

Just ordered a kit to recap my G9000 totally. Not sure I will use all the caps, but you are absolutely correct that it isn't gonna get better with 50 year old caps in her. Great tips in a short vid.

I agree.Although I have seen some power supply filters in old Fisher tube type that still perform well.It doesn't mean I don't change them.As far as "don't fix it if it is not broken"I agree except when it comes to some of the IF strips in tube gear.You can cause yourself grief if you mess with them without doing a complete restoration/alignment.Please keep up with the good information.Thank you very much.

I completely agree, recently had a friend bring me his 16 year old Harman Kardon receiver that quit working - I found the two large filter caps beginning to vent testing showed them way out of value, all other caps and such looked perfect so I changed the filter caps with Rubycons and replaced the blow transformer fuses and the unit has worked like new for months now. I also had a very similar HK receiver two years older than his with no problems yet - but I pulled the caps and they were also going out of value so I changed mine as well to avoid possible damage to other components using the same Rubycons instead of waiting for eventual failure and I feel I did the right thing - or at least the prudent thing.

I've changed the filter caps in three different things I've had. A Sansui integrated amp. Velodyne Servo sub and a Technics receiver. In all cases the sound change was for the better. Esp the Velodyne. It was VERY dramatic! Smooth and much more musical.

@ikonix360

10 ай бұрын

Exactly. I have a Lafayette LA-375 amp I bought a few years back. Due to finances and lack of time I spent about a month listening to it as I got it after confirming it worked properly and doing the idle current adjustment. After I recapped it, the sound had improved quite a bit. I also go one further and replace all carbon comp resistors in a piece of audio gear especially the amp section as often those are out of tolerance and can negatively affect the amp section.

@littlecars6871

6 ай бұрын

Wish I had your ears !!

I used to restore old tube audio as well as some of the vintage solid state stuff. You are so spot on with respect to replacing capacitors. On old stuff like a HH Scott 299 or a Fisher 500 I always replaced all the coupling capacitors as well as power supply capacitors and ALWAYS replaced the bias rectifier and associated capacitors. Leakage of coupling capacitors feeding the output tubes as well as any failure in the bias supply can destroy both the output tubes and possibly an output transformer. I have seen coupling capacitors between the output tubes and phase inverter short and cause an output transformer failure which could have been prevented if the amp's owner had just had the amp properly restored prior to using it.

I would also recommend replacing capacitors with a slightly higher voltage rating and 105c temperature rating. When manufacturers are producing tens or hundreds of thousands of units they will save whatever pennies are possible and capacitors will be rated at or just over the voltage rating required. If one looks at the datasheets provided by some manufacturers, capacitor life is a function of voltage and temperature, and it's not a linear relationship. The lifetime is increased considerably when 105c rated capacitors are selected and they are used well under their voltage rating. Given that capacitor technology has improved considerably in the last 50 years, there is also another benefit in that an equivalent new capacitor in a higher voltage and higher temperature rating is often the same size as the one it is replacing and usually of the same lead pitch. This means it drops straight in and looks neat rather than being a small canister stuck up in the air on bent leads.

Your right, I have to restore my Marantz 2325 . It blew a bulb last unit everything still rocks ! I love my tank ! Looks mint , I do take the cover off every few years and take my air compressor to blow it out . Takes all the dust out. I don’t want it messed up. You’ve scared me, I have a old Harmon Kardon back up receiver . I must face it and let someone restore it. It and my Klipsch speakers are my last stereo ! I couldn’t afford to buy a new receiver that would perform like my Marantz today . My music brings me life , it makes the difference in my life . I can come in and turn my music on and change my attitude, feeling inside. Music brings me life ! Makes a dull day into a Happy,Happy,Happy Day ! Your right, time to find someone that can do the work RIGHT ! I would like to up-date it with better parts that weren’t around back in 1975 ! You are to far from Tennessee but you are right ! Time to get it done. I just worry someone will mess it up ! When you see all those parts it leads you thinking it ain’t broke , thinking ! Thank you for helping me finally make my mind up on what needs done ! It would kill me if anything happened to my receiver ! Thank you !

@dannybryant8296

4 ай бұрын

Have you considered that recapping is an invasive procedure? Have you considered the possibility of your tech going fubar with your precious receiver? I might also ask about your SQ expectations. You won't be able to do an honest A/B comparison. How will you know if it REALLY sounds better? If spending money getting your equipment overhauled makes you feel better then go for it. But there are definitely risks. I didn't notice Mr. Skylab mentioning any of this. He owns a repair shop, of course he's gonna be from the "fix it" camp. Just wanted you to know there's a reason for the "ain't broke" camp. Capacitors don't always follow the calendar.

Right on the spot on everything, specially the fact that within 5 years there’s not going to be people to fix these equipments and I know as I’m an HR professional. On the other hand something you can do as a shop is selling the recap kit as a way of helping and still do some business.

I agree with you 100%. I purchased a teac a2340r sometime ago. I took my time after studying and replaced all capacitors. So yes,it makes sense.

There is so much very good advice contained right here in this video - thank you! I have - thankfully! - the technical ability to replace the caps in most of my vintage gear. I'd best get to that, then :)

@skylabsaudio

Жыл бұрын

Much appreciated, Dave! Thank you

I’m glad I watched this video. My Sherwood S-7200 is in the shop. I’m going to suggest what you just advised while I have the opportunity.

I ve got a Sansui 7070 form ´81, and the 10000 uF capacitors ... just mark 3700 uF when tested. Capacitors did they job for all that time with honor... the price of time.

I think higher quality speaker crossover parts make a difference. It all makes a difference. Small things add up🔈👍🏻

@aitchr8770

Жыл бұрын

Definitely makes a difference. As does the type of cap used. ditto inductors

@Carl-bd1rf

4 ай бұрын

Bet you can’t tell in a blind listening test.

very informative and helpfull. the push I needed to hear. thanks

I fully agree with you on changing out the power and filter capacitors. I own a Marantz sr6000 from 1980 that I brought on Ebay last year. It works but after 23 years it is time for the recap.

As an old audio repair guy myself. I think you know that once you get a bit time failure on a cap it can really blow some stuff out and cost more to fix in the end had you done a little preventive Maintenace. It's like a car with 200K miles on it. If you do not have any preventive maintence done on it you can have major failure after major failure. I agree with the age most folks don't even know how to use a meter. I'm 65 and had my own audio video shop for years until it was not worth fixing because folks didn't want to fix the gear and most new stuff was junk and well you get it. You are right find anyone who even does AV/Repairs anymore let alone someone like me who fixes Reel to Reel and things lol. I still play around with stuff and now that prices are going up. I'll start doing some restore jobs from the old stuff I hung on to. Also so many folks are buying this olds stuff for high prices and yeah it might work sort of but for how long? Lots of get it on and flip it quick artists out there. Sy you guys seem to be doing it right. Thanks for keeping the old quality stuff running as most of the average stuff now a days really isn't very much to get excited over.

Where I live, is very very very hard to get someone to even service something from 10yrs ago ... Have gone through 2 Marantz NR150X and a SR ...[sorry forgot model], both had the same issue, the cost to repair was so high, the shop purchased them both from me for parts ... I have now gone vintage, with modern speakers and some digital playback ... The sound alone of the little Panasonic RA-6500 with only 2 speakers, is totally different to what came out of the Marantz receivers ... Now, I am on the hunt for that 'perfect' set of speakers ... Had many back in the day, when it was cheap used and lay-away existed ... Keep up the good channel,

I did have to replace a few caps in my 1978 Soundcraftsmen PE2217 Preamp/Equalizer. Today, I am fixing the 22 Faders and the two potentiometers for volume and left-right selection.. The Faders were in bad shape and thus were hard to slide, and were on and off non conductive. The old lubricant was a goner, and electrical contact was bad. So far so good in bringing them back to life.

Excellent video, as always. I recently had a complete restoration of my 2270 performed, and while it *may* sound a little different, those minute changes are not detrimental to the sound at all. It may be insane, but I'm so glad I took the plunge. This machine might well outlive me!

I pulled out of my garage a 1970's Akai AA-2020 Receiver, and so far all that I've done is clean the potentiometers and switches with a can of Nutrol. I hooked up the turntable I also pulled out of storage and after checking all the adjustments, I started listening to my old collection of 70's and 80's vinyl records. The turnatable is an orginal Technics SL-1200 Mark II with a Grace Ruby cartridge. I have not replaced any capacitors yet, but I intend to during the winter when I will be spending more time indoors.

@mr.recruiterp3583

Жыл бұрын

I have that same Technics SL-1200 Mark II and plan to replace the RCA cables/circuit board with upgraded ground ones. Bought new back in the day

Totally agree I recapped my marantz 1200b every single capacitor and replace the original output transistors and they sound soo good I'm delighted everyday

Spot on! A better analogy than motor oil is tires. They now date tire manufacture so you know to replace them if they look good, but are 5, 10, or 20 years old. Lots of folks in the RV world get "bit" on this because most RVs don't have many miles at 5 or 10 years, but driving on old tires results in blowouts, many times damaging the surrounding wheel well area of the RV. Does that sound familiar?

I was given a nice Pioneer tuner/amp that was a bit dirty. I bought electrical contact cleaner and eliminated a half century of dust and grime. It went from uneven output and intermittent cut-outs with a forest fire whenever the volume was turned up or down to nice. silent and strong. My parents thick old vinyl sounds amazing. I have every kind of media playback, 8-Track, Reel to Reel (four channel to boot) several turntables and a cassette player. CD and digital based music is a bit too crisp, I am stuck on analogue and my children explore my collection all the time. Soon I will be transferring my source music onto flash drives to use in my vehicles. Many thanks for the insight and opinions.

I agree with you ,me as a electronics rep I agree with you ,thanks for your honesty.

Using the oil change is a brilliant example

Good Job! I certainly believe what you say about the scarcity of trained audio techs! And that most of your techs are older guys-even my age-in the 60s- yes! Good advice! I am trying to teach myself and it is not easy and because of budget concerns, if I cannot teach myself troubleshooting, I will have to give up the idea of any "vintage stereo components" no matter how pretty they appear, and buy newer, not-as-attractive components. One of your best videos!

@sPi711

11 ай бұрын

I'm with you on that. It may not be for everybody, but there's nothing I would enjoy more than getting into the Hi-Fi equipment I own and knowing that I could keep that thing living as long as possible.

I used to change 100% of all caps for new ones. I love doing this in my free time, it's my hobby. But one day I saw on KZread the work of a pro who was checking old roofs with a cool device. This is no ordinary $20 probe, it tested the ERP of caps at different frequencies. And what is surprising, the old 40-year-old caps gave better results compared to the new Nichikons. He is sure that the modern process for the production of caps cannot be compared to what it used to be. After spot-checking a few lids, he leaves it as is, saying, "This will last another 40 years." I began to think, is it worth changing 100% of the caps for new ones?

@michaelwright1602

10 ай бұрын

Kind of my thinking too... If they are not leaking or bulging, and measure within specs... Why change them for something of lesser quality? That is what my electronics tech stated, but he would do what I want.

I totally agree, replace the power supply caps of old amps. You will only prolong the life of the amp and/ or eliminate hum. I’ve even 3d printed adaptor rings to fit the old clamps and size down to the smaller diameters that the new caps are in nowadays. The only place where I believe a cap could change audio sound is if it is a cap used in coupling the audio. But as long as you use a quality cap and of proper capacity and working voltage all should sound great or better than some of the older axial lead caps in old vintage guitar amps, etc. For guitar amps the yellow Illinois brand axial lead caps are of great quality and of very low DC leakage. Keep up the great work, sounds like you do things right. I’ve been in this for the last 35 years. Maybe discuss your favorite cleaners for spraying out dirty pots in another video?I’m elated to note that I just acquired these fantastic micro size plastic 90 degree elbows that fit on my contact cleaner spray nozzle tubes . Best wishes my friend. 😎👍

@skylabsaudio

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Mike! I'd love to see those adapter rings you make. We have been buying sheets of 1/4" thick rubber and cutting it the thickness of the clamp. Holds the new cap very snug but It would be nice to have something a little prettier. Thanks!

Absolutely. The cost is the labour. The shop in Toronto asked me BEFORE they lifted the chassis if I was onboard knowing that there was a fixed dollar amount to begin work. Totally upfront.

I totally agree with you on getting preventative maintenance done now, as the techs in my area are older and before long, will be done working...

@SurnaturalM

Ай бұрын

There's always be people who will do it and repair that stuff. And if it's only to change capacitor, then why you don't do it yourself ? It's not very complicated if you take the time to do it correctly. Information is more available than ever. It's not like troubleshooting or anything. I would start with something not expensive, and when you get assurance, then you move to more expensive stuff.

50 years experience in electronic repair and maintenance starting as a technician in the US Navy and retiring as the head of a 200 employee maintenance department. I have many stories of intermittent failures caused by capacitors that test good when they are cold or removed and placed on tester, however either fail or change value when current is applied or as they heat up. Yes power supply capacitors are important they insure that the power supply voltages going to all components are as close to pure DC as possible and that the supply voltages don't sag under heavy loads.

@DanielHog13

8 ай бұрын

+1

@josepeixoto3384

2 ай бұрын

if that is all they do, could i just check those PS caps for AC milliVolts? under load preferably?

Thank you for your Advice. I am going to replace All the Capacitors on the Power Supply of my Sansui BA-5000 ( 50 years old )

Very sensible thoughts and opinions!

Thanks for the video. I am going to have my Marantz 4430 serviced in the next weeks. It’s working fine , but I will ask to change the capacitors you mentioned. Thanks again ❤

Thanks for the input. You help me resolve by dilemma

Hi...I am new to your channel but everything you said is correct. Even myself included I thought years ago that capacitors don't need to be changed if the unit works. But years later I am thinking once you own a unit for long time you get so used to the sound that you start thinking that it is absolutelly o.k. And then you listen to a unit which has been completelly recapped and you just stand there with a dropped jaw .......because it sounds awesome ! I was lucky to get such a unit !!!!!! It is the Marantz 4270. Before I had a Scott R-376 which has even 75 WPC at 8 Ohm. Because the rest of my components is by Marantz I went back to a Marantz Receiver.

Great advise. Me, I usually test and record all the stages of an old vintage unit, and if operational, listen to it. Then replaced all the electrolytic caps and other questionable capacitors. Test, record and listen after replacement, and see the difference. So far it always test and sound better.

@skylabsaudio

Жыл бұрын

Very cool!

@anthonykeve8894

Жыл бұрын

@Joey Marcos Actually you restored the SQ to original, IF you got the unit “well used,” and all replacement components were the same make and model.

Nichicon gold everytime for me, but short answer Is YES! Everytime I have done it, they sound way better so you can hear the difference i.m.o

I’m so glad I found your channel and this is such a great video! Excellent advice! I recently brought my Sherwood S75 CP (aka S7910) in to my service guy because after 5 years of pretty heavy use, the left channel went out. I tried detoxing first but that didn’t work. Anyway I figured why not just have him go through and recap and replace everything and make it like new. This is one of my all time lines Sherwood made in 1980 before they sold out. After the recap, the receiver didn’t sound as good as it once did. It lost a lot of its warmth and detail. These receivers in this line (S7910/S75CP S8910 S9910/S110CP and the Integrated Hp1000 and Hp2000) All have the same signature Warmth, Tone, and Clarity similar to Marantz and Fisher. Now it’s gone and I really can’t enjoy listening to it. I said I would never sell it. We’ll now I do. I know I went overboard on a unit that doesn’t really have a great resale value, but it was intended for my personal use. Any feedback?

@thomasmcmillan5095

5 ай бұрын

Don't capacitors need time to "break in" and the sound gets better?

@johnbrender7635

5 ай бұрын

@@thomasmcmillan5095 They do but I couldn’t listen to it to even find out. I ended up selling it and buying the S9910. Back in business

You can burn up your expensive speakers. DC can pass in some designs , say a halfler and instantly toast your voice coils. Before you even run an older amp even from the 90's , pop off the lid and see if the caps look swollen , look at the output transistors for burn marks , then check for DC with a multimeter. At the very least put an inline fuse on the positive side . I learned this the hard way . Something like a studio amp will literally camp fire inside and take your driver's with it. Bias and caps. With high end gear it's a little different because of the build quality like say an aaragon. Then probably just leave it be.

My friend from the 70's owned a vintage Pioneer receiver from that era, and I replaced the filter capacitors, and that did the trick!

I've got several power amps from the early to mid 1980's, and I understand that these components must be inspected, serviced and tested before being returned to frontline duty. Until then, these old soldiers will stay in storage as part of my vintage equipment museum. Thank you for this very informative presentation.

Just purchased a meter to measure capacitance and found some interesting measurements in my 1976 Heathkit AA-1506 120 watt audio amplifier. These were two 250uF bipolar low voltage coupling caps. However one measured about 450uF, and the other roughly 340uF. Anyhow, I replaced them with a 220uF in parallel with a 30 uF, thus giving me 250uF. I then proceeded to replace more caps in my 1978 Soundcraftsmen PE2217 Preamp/Equalizer. I was shocked to find out after a closer look that there was a mix up with 4.7uF caps and 2.2uF caps. Not good to have a 2.2uF cap in place of a 4.7uF used in the 20->60Hz band filter on the left channel. The rest of the cap mix ups were in the two phono preamp boards. Thank goodness I managed to find the PE2217 schematic.

I changed all the caps in my original owner and the sound was much more dynamic and cleaner.

So many you said are so true. Love the way you think

I wish there were more service centers with your passion and experience. Already a pain finding someone within reasonable driving distance.

@skylabsaudio

Жыл бұрын

Appreciate it. Sorry

@ML-bu3lz

Жыл бұрын

100 percent. I am hoping that new generation of technicians are being born as people are getting more and more into REAL hi fi ❤

From experience I would agree with swapping out the caps. I just did a Yamaha CR-620. My issue was a hum through the tone board that was caused by a bad cap on the power supply. I went on a did all caps except for the tuner section. I then discovered what they meant by Natural Sound. Much improved dynamics and soundstage, imo.

@megajoel

Ай бұрын

I have a CR-620 that also has a low consistent hum. I had an electronics shop work on it. They changed out a few capacitors that looked questionable. So far, the low hum problem still remains. I’m thinking about trying to replace more capacitors myself.

I have a Dynaco SCA-35 (late 60's) that I rebuilt. OEM PS electrolytics checked out and they are running fine to this day (50+ years old).

I absolutely agree woth you. You have to change it! The idea is very practical to improve the system.

Good advice, with a hi Rez system a better cap in speakers does make a difference , yes small but better.

Interesting video and thanks for sharing. I do get the argument that changing components might have some effect on a unit and there is an argument to keep things original or it isn’t the same thing as when it was made. To me, this is all about why you have a vintage unit in the first place. If you want to keep it as original as it was first made (i.e., a museum piece) then you might not want to replace anything until it stops working. If, however, you want a vintage unit to enjoy its sound and its tactile use then preventive maintenance has to be the way to go so you can continue to enjoy it into the future for as long as possible.

I perfectly share your opinion about vintage electronics and people still doing this job today, and I must also add some specific argument to change certain caps in your equipment. If you have to maintain tube equipment, filtering caps are important, but most are those decoupling caps like those paper condensers you showed: these must be replaced absolutely! First thing you have here parts that are generally more than 50 years old, and second if they leak, you can destroy the next tube at minimum (!). These high voltage caps are critical for security and sound, so you must pay special attention to quality and minute things like polarity, solder joints, insulation... When it comes to solid state amps and other post 1970 equipments, things like supply caps and many others electrolytics are good candidates for replacement as far as you can still find quality new ones and not cheap fakes. So replacing is sometimes challenging if you do it yourself, and having someone doing it for you is nonsense if you don't get a total caps change, plus eventual leaky or prone to fail diodes and transistors. This is not the same if you do the job yourself, and partial job is only interesting if you can test values following professional procedures and using proper test equipment. You need an oscilloscope, test generators, and a gigantic stock of different testers (some pricey!). If you want to test caps, a simple multimeter can't do the job in circuit, and you will need an ESR tester, PLUS a high voltage leak tester if you're working with tubes. It's the same problem if you want to align tuners and check digital equipment: don't do it if you don't have specific tools and know how. I must also mention SMD caps, some are a known leaking problem, with an additional destructive and corrosive leaking oil problem. Repairing SMD circuits can be challenging and require another pile of equipment (and place!).

Lots of great advice, especially having these repairs done before the experts are gone. Wish you were in my area of So. Cal. lol because I's send my Yamaha M50 to you. It's working but as you mentioned, the caps should be replaced. I'm hoping to get hold of a Concept 11.0 from an estate sale and if I succeed, I'll definitely have the caps replaced. Oh, you wouldn't happen to have a referral for someone out in So. Cal, would you? 😉

Yes excellent video and “If it ain’t broken don’t fix “ only pertains to certain components when comes to vintage audio equipment such as TO-3 cased output transistors....but not capacitors ! For those saying you will change the sound if you recap your vintage unit , well I say yes you will change the sound....you will change the sound back to closer to what it was when that unit was new not the way it sounds today, tired after 40 to 50 years of use! Also there many of the small signal transistors that should be changed out because they become noisy with age. Now as for checking components in circuit including capacitors there are devices that can do with a good amount of accuracy. I spent 29 of my 38 years in refining working in process controls were we did a fair amount of electronics repairs. Back in the days before digital electronics most of our controls were either pneumatic or analog electronic and we did a lot of our own trouble shooting repairs on the electronic cards. Since in our industry we couldn’t afford downtime we had to do repairs fast and one device we used that was more useful than an “O” scope or a DVM was a Huntron Tracker circuit tester....it was an invaluable troubleshooting tool for checking in circuit components. These are still made today but they are not cheep! Another good one that cost far less but is only specific to capacitors is the hand held Atlas ESR capacitor tester.

I have a marantz 2010 I have used daily for 15 years, with no issues, never been recapped. Also, two of the three receivers that I have had that were recapped, had a number of issues, that I am pretty sure were caused by something going wrong when re-capping. My marantz 8, most of the parts were still in spec when i rebuilt it. Not that I don't think re-capping is a good idea, because it is. but its a not necessary part of having an experience with vintage audio. Also, part of the fun of vintage audio, is the warm sound, which to some extent can be caused by aged capacitors. One of the units I recapped, I didnt like the sound as much after. Another one I really liked. I think it also depends on the parts. Specific brands and time periods can have a lot more issues then others. I have 70s stuff that the original parts test normal, and i have 80s/90s stuff where all the caps were bad. anything 1950s usually shouldnt even be plugged in without a recap, unless its on a variac, or unless its pcb oil capacitors, which seem to be invincible. My opinion/experience and two cents anyways. Vintage audio was a lot more fun when you could pick up a receiver for $50, and not be paranoid about recapping. on the other hand, It is good to see a lot of this gear being restored. Its also good to see techs still working on this gear.

Honest man, with honest opinion. Thank you sir, subscribed just because of this video.

@skylabsaudio

7 күн бұрын

I appreciate that!

I worked in electrical electronics off and on my adult life and now at 59 teaching myself repairs learning to trace circuits and repair, I am buying cheaper vinage components to practic on and I have been re foaming speakers for years mainly old school Bose speakers. I agree do the maintenance while it is open.

I am not a professional but i (as a hobby) work on vintage tube guitar amps. I find I am way better with the gear than the playing, lol. I just wanted to bring up something you didn't mention that I hear quite a bit is "don't change the cap, just reform it" which even more crazy than don't fix it! Also in my opinion always change the coupling caps (tube gear again, I don't do solid state gear because frankly I know NOTHING about it, ,lol) It mystifies me as to why this even is a debate, even if it's not vented and leaking its guts out, it's bad if it's that old, Great video! Peace!

The power amp and power supply sections oh yes I can see that.. the less stressed areas I'd probably hold off until i see some leakage or a bulge. But those you spoke about I can agree with, and ask for the best quality parts to be used.

Completly agree. As far as changing the sound, that only happens if you change caps in the signal path with different values. The big boy receivers/ amps, need good caps to properly supply all the boards with the proper levels of voltage and amperage. And you just wont get that with 40+ year old caps, regardless if its still operational. The key is to keep it within manufacturer specs. Then you will experience what the kit is supposed to sound like, and find out why they are in such high demand.

@pauchiongyu3326

6 ай бұрын

Well said

You can ABSOLUTELY hear the difference in power supply caps, with the caveat that you use really good replacement caps. Look for a higher temp rating lower ESR and higher ripple current rating. I normally use minimum of 105c and 5000 hour rating. Some companies used excellent quality caps in the beginning but while quality caps were used in the Asian market units some American market units like Mcintosh used what were then called " computer grade" caps that usually were industrial quality and those units might not benefit from a cap swap. Bare in mind that you can get really good expensive caps that cost much more than you think. For example I rebuilt my Harman kardon Citation 16 with fast diodes and Mallory extreme high ripple current and very low ESR caps that were made for professional large scale photo flash units. The amp will do a cosine burst cleanly at over 1700 watts! I had to put thermostats and fans on the heatsinks! Those caps were over $500.00 15 years ago. Clearly the headroom was massively increased.

Great video, I believe in doing the same, especially recapping a board at a time when the issue points to that board specifically and some caps are showing signs of age. As far as micro changes if people are that worried I believe in high quality audio caps where needed and high quality same spec for the otherwise like filter caps. At that point I’d say it’s more similar then to factory. If you have an oscilloscope I bet you can compare the two samples stock unit and repaired and I’ll bet the only difference being it’s closer to the spec sheet. And as far as the end of the video it’s understandable, I’m 24 and slowly learning everything since I was much younger albeit a few years were more focused on modern devices but I have never met anyone my age tech wise who would even give these another chance.

Agree with you 100%. PS electrolytic caps are generally not expensive and reasonably easy to replace. It's a mater of safety. I had a Carlson amp PS catch fire the fuse was quite alive and well.

@skylabsaudio

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and the comment!

Excellent advice!!! Thanks!!!

I just got my vintage CARVER 4.0 amp and Preamp C 4000 done recently. I had it for 35 years nothing was wrong whit it and started going on forums and they all said the same thing change the capacitors some say i could damage something .So I Did. I love the sound of the CARVER Thank to you all

I fully agree with you. I love my vintage stereo equipment, but the caps get old and need to be changed. I was an Electronics Technician in my younger years. I'm also a guitarist. And all of the guitarists that I know who have vintage amps realize that their vintage tube amps need to have the caps replaced. When it comes to guitars and amps you hate to change something that is all original. but if you are going to use it, it has to be brought back to where it works right.

Thanks for sharing as i do think many forget even though does work doesn't mean well due for service as capacitor don't last forever. When do fail ive seen leak and cause damage just in general. Most don't think of this of service cause today most electronics are garbage and just throw away well before due for capacitors need changed unlike vintage stuff

Excellent video! For those who say, "if it isn't broke, don't fix it"... The issue is that capacitors not only change value (which is bad), but they can also short out and destroy power, output, and IF transformers,. Many of these devices are becoming unobtanium. While, I specialize in antique tube radios, the similarities with vintage hi-fi units is the same when it comes to capacitors. Tube devices are high voltage, low current devices. Solid state units are low voltage, high current devices. However both are the same! Because power equals current times voltage. It is the power that can destroy other devices when it leaks through a used-up capacitor. Be wise, get rid of them!

@claytonwalton1939

Жыл бұрын

And yet leaving in original caps. (unless visibly bulging) just,,,,,sounds better.

@ElectroRestore

Жыл бұрын

@@claytonwalton1939 It is not the bulging ones you need to worry about. They are obvious in a visual inspection. It is the ones that still test good and yet, are bad! Heck, they may still even read somewhat close to their rated tolerance, while leaking like a slashed mustang tire at 120 mph. Or they short circuit like a lighting strike on your head while you are snorkeling in your favorite water amusement park!

@johnhpalmer6098

Жыл бұрын

@@claytonwalton1939 Disagree.

@johnhpalmer6098

Жыл бұрын

Not all caps are going to go bad, but many of the paper foil, electrolytic caps, and many of the Frako/Rifa caps are definitely candidates for replacements, especially when the Rifa/Frako caps are used as across the line caps as they crack, and craze in the case and moisture gets inside, and they will go BOOM! and often take out other parts, some unobtanium now, but many others like some of the poly caps will likely be more than fine and are often left in place, unless it's visibly damaged in some way, and still in spec decades later and also, many values are more prone to failing than other values, so if they exist, the better part of valor is to replace them, especially if you start finding they are drifting out. Others the type of caps were poorly chosen, and swapping them for more stable variants to do the same job is also paramount. In the end, the performance while decent ends up being improved, and yet sound like it always had. This also goes for filter caps to reduce hum, and coupling caps may need to be replaced after 35-40 years.

@fabieneldridge3414

Жыл бұрын

I think your probably right. I’ve been running my Marantz 2325 it finally had a bulb go out. After 40 plus years and still rocking I should restore it ! You in my sixties I need restored myself !

Well said and agree 100%, it’s sadly not as common to find a technician that can work on them and caps most definitely expire and can cause lots of problems. Had one speaker that everyone thought was blown but all it was, was just a bad cap!

@pauchiongyu3326

6 ай бұрын

Prevention is better than cure

Nice video, good info.. love the tee shirt!

@skylabsaudio

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

If you in Jacksonville or Orlando I can recommend Jaydon electronics. I've had an SA 9800 and at the moment an SA 7800 being recapped. They do good work.

You are right I found a young guy who went to school to learn this craft on repairing this vintage stuff and he loves what he does. With out him I wouldn’t have the collection that I do he’s done about 15 receivers most of them the big boys 100 watts and above that’s what I collect plus he refoams my speakers if needed he caps the cross overs really is a an amazing young tech. Almost impossible to find theres a guy in upstate Ny that specializes in restoring the early ARs I happened to buy a set of AR3 a s circa 1967 what I didn’t realize they had been restored by this guy can’t remember his name but holy crap these speakers hooked up to my marantz 2325 will hit you in the gut with tight base finding these people to work on this vintage stuff it’s all most impossible. I am very luck he also engineered and built a speaker and amplifier switch for me a smaller version of what you have for selecting different amps and speakers very cool. Any way I really enjoy your videos and sending you my rambling comments Thank you. Gary from Long Island

@mysteryjesus

Жыл бұрын

Where did he go to school?

I agree with you. I wanted a vintage working receiver which will out last me. That's why I sourced a recapped Marantz. I am sure it sounds different than when it came out of the box in 1977. But to my ear it sounds just like it did back then. My frequency response isn't what it was either! Thanks also for bringing up the declining community of techs who can actually fix these wonderful electronics...not a good situation at all.

@mysteryjesus

Жыл бұрын

Someone with this knowledge needs to start training the people who want to learn or offer an online training course. I wish there was something like this out there.

@lucasmembrane4763

10 ай бұрын

I've been told that the life of the old Marantz receivers is limited by corrosion of the tuning coils. IDK if there is any way to slow that down, but the story from a very reliable repair shop was that there are no replacements available other than parts salvaged from other units just as old.

I agree with every word you said excellent video!