Guidance requested - NOS Capacitors

[MarcD]

Hello. I think I made a mistake perhaps. I picked up a Kenwood KA-8006 (that's definitely not the mistake) and so far it sounds great but of course I'm going to make it sound better . I was researching filter caps and came across some Nichicon Gold Tune I's (KG's) 15000uf 80vdc on Parts Connexion . Obviously NOS but I sort of figured maybe 2-3 years old but turns out a date code of 2015. I'm $100 in the hole for two of them ($40 something each plus tax and shipping). So then started reading about having to reform old or shelved NOS capacitors which doesn't sound that hard if I had a 80vdc power supply or a bunch of other things that I don't have and I really don't feel like buying right now. So, I wanted to run by you all some options...

1. Install them in the Kenwood and fire up with a dim bulb tester first, then plug in to normal power and pray.

2. Install them in the Kenwood then power it up slowly on a Variac ( I don't have a variac either but maybe it's time I do buy one, they're not that expensive). Would this be an option? I believe the B+ voltage is 50Volts, will that be enough to form an 80v cap? Bad idea altogether? I can't imagine they're worse than the 52 year old Elna's that are in there now.

3. Cut my losses. I found some Cornell Dubliers that will work for ~$31 each. Anyone that has the ability to re-form capacitors interested in some 15000uF Gold Tunes?

4. Spend a lot of money ($hundreds?, $thousands?) on a variable DC power supply and do it the right way?

5. Any other ideas or guidance is appreciated.

Thanks.
Marc

 

[gslikker]

They are sturdy quality caps
Operation voltage (50Volts in the Kenwood) is way below the cap rated voltage.
Myself, I would not hesitate at all to just put them in, even if not having a dbt.

 

[Hyperion]

I don't think you need to worry about reforming the capacitors, they will do this all by themselves with about 24 hours of being powered up. They are 11 years old now, which shouldn't worry capacitors of this quality. How good they still are will depend on how they have been kept, i.e. in a cool place at an even temperature, you would think a supplier with the reputation of Parts Connexion would have that environment for their stock.

It's up to you but I wouldn't go buying other capacitors until you have tried them, they are really excellent capacitors.

 

[MarcD]

Thank you, both! Glad to hear this. Will proceed with installing them at some point in the near future and seeing how it goes.