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General Asylum General audio topics that don't fit into specific categories. |
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General Asylum General audio topics that don't fit into specific categories. |
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In Reply to: Lifespan of audio equipment... posted by slapshot on July 29, 2012 at 13:19:43:
Electrolytic capacitors will dry out in anywhere from 15 to 30 years. When they begin to fail, they can simply be replaced, as long as nothing else has been damaged.With properly designed equipment, any moving mechanical part will be the first thing to go. That includes switches, potentiometers, anything with moving parts.
Most switches can be cleaned or repaired, or replaced. Some potentiometers are custom made, and no longer available.
I had an Audio Research SP-9 where I was unable to find a replacement for the balance pot. It was custom made for AR and is no longer available. I jumped it out, but that likely did drop the value when I sold it.
After that, the main issue is going to be with component degradation due to heat, from dust accumulation, poor ventilation or a basic design flaw.
Heat can also affect and degrade insulation on wires or transformers, that can cause failures.
Once you get past that, I've seen electronic circuit boards that have been in service since the late 60's that work just fine.
Stephen
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Follow Ups
- The main concern is with capacitors and switches..... - StephenJK 07/30/1211:25:40 07/30/12 (0)
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