McIntosh Black caps????

[ronflugelguy]

Generally, what is the life the caps used in a C-20? When should they be replaced? I heard that if a preamp cap goes out in a C-20 it could take my 240 out with my speakers????????????

[ron-c]

I usually change the old caps to modern film type. Orange Drops are a good value and will maintain somewhat of a vintage sound. The new caps will lower the noise and distortion level. On these old pre amps the caps have become resistors and some resistors are now caps!
I know some will say leave the original parts in but if you want it to sound like new, recap it. I even recaped my Model one Marantz's with matching model Six stereo adapter.

Ron-C

[Number 9]

Ditto for the orange drops.
I've heard the same comment before from several people whose opintions I respect and who refurbish vintage gear.

Its not that Black Gate, Auricap, Hovland or Solen are bad, its just your vintage gear won't have the same vintage "sound" using these. Anyway, that's what I've been told ... I've personally not experimented enough to know for sure.

Question: No one ever seems to mention resistors ... would some of those be worth changing too?

[dewickt]

If they check good, no leakage, leave them alone. The orange drops are good replacements if needed, do not use audiophile grade caps !! Got in a C20 for repair, it had all caps replaced with very expensive caps (I think MusiCaps), it sounded like Japanese early solid state, misicality was gone, sounded sterile and hard, not at all tube like.

[Russellc]

I agree. I stopped using designer caps about the same time I quite buying cables that needed a mortgage. Tried and true sprauge, mallory etc may look industrial but in my opinion make wonderful music. I have to wonder about designer caps that are as big as a fist anyway...seems like what ever their specs are, the music isn't lush and rich anymore. I have grown tired of items that have mega detail, but are all dried up. maybe I'm getting more deaf as I age! Give me the frankenstein laboratory looking parts, everyone else can have the designer stuff. Funny how mcintosh components are stuffed full of non designer stuff but sound rich and majestic. I really don't care if I can't hear the "rear wall" of the soundstage, give me the big rich majestic sound. Again, maybe I just don't hear as well as I used to. This is all for fun anyway!

Russellc

[Number 9]

Though, I've always wondered about paper-in oil caps. :confused:

Some interesting comments as to Sprague (orange-drop) caps, as well as paper-in-oil caps at these links on the Angela website. Look all the way at the bottom for sound comparisons.


http://www.angela.com/catalog/capacitors/Angela_SBE_SCR.html

http://www.angela.com/catalog/capacitors/Angela_PIO.html

:dunno:

[Russellc]

This the third time I've attempted to log in, I apologize if this is a multiple post. Oil type caps are on my good list, include in the "industrial looking/Frankenstein lab" catagory. Some applications will find them almost to lush. Also, I have always liked the orange drops, very good and very reasonable.

Russellc