[sdiy] Damned amplifier

[metasonix]

> Replace every g'damn electro in the questionable side of the power amp
> section   

Hear hear!

> gear is often designed where components are running right on the edge.
> The cost of going up to a 35 volt cap where a 25 volt cap will "Just
> Make it" works out to a cost saving and this kind of thing is common
> place. 

That's not all--certain Chinese capacitor makers often put
wrong or adulterated electrolytes in their caps--to save
money. Conservative firms, like Cornell-Dubilier, usually rate
their lower-cost electrolytics for a typical lifetime of 50,000 hours
at room temperature. (Their better computer-grade and such can
show lifetimes of 2 million hours--IF operated in ideal conditions.)
Operate them at 85 C, and life of typical low-cost capacitors
drops to something like 1000 or 2000 hours....and of course, NO
consumer electronics mfr. uses good 105C or ruggedized capacitors,
if they can possibly avoid it.

If anyone wants, I could talk about reliability of tube
electronics--esp. mine....

-- 

Eric Barbour
Owner, METASONIX (www.metasonix.com)
Senior Editor, Vacuum Tube Valley magazine