If replacing capacitors in any unit that has had an overvoltage failure it is wise to replace with a higher voltage rated unit. Bulging can electros or blown tantalums I usually replace with higher voltage if possible. 10V with 16V, 16V with 25V, 25V with 35V, 35V with 50V, 50V with 63V - these transitions are pretty well straightforward as for can electros there is little or no can size or body size change - if there is then it’s either a radial size change or a vertical height change and one or the other will usually fit. Next and equally important is to replace with highest possible temperature rating. Manufacturers of electrolytic capacitors specify the design lifetime at the maximum rated ambient temperature, usually 105°C. This design lifetime can vary from as little as 1,000 hours to 10,000 hours or more. Each 10°C drop from maximum doubles the life of the capacitor so if a capacitor in a circuit is an 85°C cap then replacing it with a 105°C one has obvious merit. A 10,000hr 105°C cap at 55°C has an expected life of 320,000hrs.
With older gear the newer caps tend to be smaller anyway. With tantalum they tend to be the same size.
The newer aluminium electrolytics from manufacturers such as Nichicon, Panasonic, Kemet, Rubycon,Murata and Vishay all have capacitors with lower ESR than standard through hole tantalums. The hybrid electrolytic caps even lower still. The lower ESR produces less internal heat generated from ripple current or signal passage and thus also prevents heat related electrolyte losses causing gradual failure that the old can electros exhibited and changes to electrolyte types means greater stability over long periods of time - this equates to tens of thousands of hours at max temperature and rated voltage. Best to look at the specs of capacitors before choosing.
Years of reported common failures in audio gear (and other) lead to sensible replacement of this type of component.
Unlike cars they don’t crash test recording consoles and FX gear!
With older gear the newer caps tend to be smaller anyway. With tantalum they tend to be the same size.
The newer aluminium electrolytics from manufacturers such as Nichicon, Panasonic, Kemet, Rubycon,Murata and Vishay all have capacitors with lower ESR than standard through hole tantalums. The hybrid electrolytic caps even lower still. The lower ESR produces less internal heat generated from ripple current or signal passage and thus also prevents heat related electrolyte losses causing gradual failure that the old can electros exhibited and changes to electrolyte types means greater stability over long periods of time - this equates to tens of thousands of hours at max temperature and rated voltage. Best to look at the specs of capacitors before choosing.
Years of reported common failures in audio gear (and other) lead to sensible replacement of this type of component.
Unlike cars they don’t crash test recording consoles and FX gear!
