KT88 Posted August 27, 2021 Share Posted August 27, 2021 I have real vintage amps from Quad and Leak, they have all benefited from new parts. But since 2003 my absolute permanent equipment and reference is my C22CE and my MC275 MK4. Now comes my question to the experts. I consider my C22CE and the MC275 MK4 as a "newer incarnation" respectively of the original vintage equipment from the 60s. The main differences are probably the use of circuit boards and that most of the coupling capacitors in the 90s and 00s are the German Wima MKP10 that Mcintosh used (or still uses). So is my Mcintosh gear old or (kind of) "new"? I would think that the MKP10s don't really age. But when should I change the electrolytic caps of the power transformer section? Especially also with the MC275MK4 BTW, my Mcintosh gear sounds pretty darn good, despite the PCB construction and MKP caps. The C22CE blew me away when I first heard it 18 years ago, until then I thought my EAR 864 was my favourite preamp. So would the experts agree that the MKP10 are still fine and will have a long life but the electrolytic caps of the power transformer section should be changed in a nearer future? Sound is still really good with the original electrolytic caps but when is time for a change? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seti Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 If it is a piece I am going to use often I go ahead and replace them as they are a ticking time bomb. I use Hayseed Hamfest for all my electrolytic needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KT88 Posted August 30, 2021 Author Share Posted August 30, 2021 Thanks for reply, seti. I could buy F&T cheaper over here, they are made in Germany. If you see the specs in the link below, would you go for the ones with the highest temperature capability because they should last the longest or have I to consider other factors to get the best sound…if they influence the sound in some way at all? Of course I know the replacement has to fit in size, voltage etc. https://www.ftcap.de/en/products/electrolytic-capacitors/solder-terminals/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seti Posted August 31, 2021 Share Posted August 31, 2021 On 8/30/2021 at 3:41 AM, KT88 said: Thanks for reply, seti. I could buy F&T cheaper over here, they are made in Germany. If you see the specs in the link below, would you go for the ones with the highest temperature capability because they should last the longest or have I to consider other factors to get the best sound…if they influence the sound in some way at all? Of course I know the replacement has to fit in size, voltage etc. https://www.ftcap.de/en/products/electrolytic-capacitors/solder-terminals/ That is true I keep forgetting location. When I restore test gear or amplfiers with electrolytics I shoot for as close to original and 105c or higher temp rating. I just fixed a MA6100 by replacing all the little electrolytics before the big ones. A good day when that happens. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonathanKasper Posted October 15, 2021 Share Posted October 15, 2021 Good info - I will be needing this soon, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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