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Re: On buying a Citation II / A few things

Guys, come on!!

The youngest Citation II out there is 40+ years old; some are 45 years old! That is at least double, maybe triple the life of a modern electrolytic cap, let alone one built 40 years ago that has been exposed to relatively high temps. Does anybody here really expect them to be in good shape after all that time in that environment?

"The voltage ratings should have quite a bit higher, perhaps 350vdc minimally instead of 250vdc."

I won't say that that's a bad idea, but the caps I use are rated at 250 (300 volt surge) and 105 C - which I think is more important than the voltage rating. Remember too that when the amp was built the nominal AC line voltage was 115-117 volts which eased the load on the doubler caps some. Now I routinely see 122 to 124 volts. Again, I think my solution is a bit more elegant - the surge limiter kit not only reduces the inrush significantly, you'll find 450-455 volts B+ in amps with the surge kit vs. 465 to 470 without it.

"The 40uf@525 after the choke is usually in sad shape also. It's subjected to high surge, voltage, and heat."

I agree regarding the heat - I disagree on the surge. It's downstream from the choke, which means there is an 11 ohm resistance in the line that limits the surge to a fraction of what a cap in front of the choke would see.

The 4 uf electrolytic under the terminal board is shot - again, is anyone surprised? It's 40+ years old, and has been in a harsh environment. It's tired out, it needs to go!

"It's a great amp when up to snuff."

Agreed!

Scrooie, this isn't all directed at you, I just chose to put it under your post.



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