Speaker Asylum

Can unused caps age?

149.149.130.151

Macncheez

I just acquired a set of Mirage M3si's for a great price. The seller was the original owner's son. He claimed, and I believe him, that the speakers were stored unused for 10-12 years. My question concerns capacitors. If caps weren't used for 10-12 year's would they still be in need of replacement? They sound good to me, but I am just curious if caps age while NOT being used. Thanks for any help or guidance.

Follow Ups:

I think they slowly drift off spec. Which means you may like your speakers even more afterwards. (nt - peppy m. 01:00:54 10/12/24 (0)
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RE: Can unused caps age? - rondo 07:33:40 10/10/24 (1)
Unless a voltage is applied to an electrolytic capacitor over time the anode will oxidize causing current leakage in the capacitor. That's why it's best to keep amplifiers and components plugged in and on even when not being used.
- RE: Can unused caps age? - gadio4533 06:10:24 10/11/24 (0)
  What he said
RE: Can unused caps age? - Larry I 12:29:46 10/09/24 (0)
Yes, they can age, but the ones in speakers tend to last a fairly long time and 10-12 years of storage is not that much time. If the speakers sound good don't worry about it.
Short answer: Yes. - Ralph 09:06:16 10/09/24 (3)
The longer answer is Yes too.

I would carefully bring the AC line Voltage up slowly as the caps will have lost their 'form' (you'll need a variac to do this). Some of them may have failed outright. Good Luck.
- Interesting there-- - Des 19:12:05 10/12/24 (0)
  I wonder--and presume?-Peter Qvortrup is painstakingly undertaking all as you have suggested Ralph with his seemingly huge collection of Black Gates he acquired some time ago.
  
  Like I said -Interesting
  
  Des
- RE: Short answer: Yes. - highendfan 17:33:07 10/12/24 (0)
  Agree. Use a Variac: 35 v 20 minutes, 60 v 20 minutes. all good for 120 V
  After that, we no longer need the variac. Just fire the puppy up.
- With 13 caps in each crossover, yeah Good Luck - Edp 07:44:08 10/10/24 (0)
  It's not just 12 years, those were built in early to mid 90's. This is a 30 year old crossover with at least 6 of the 13 being electrolytic type.
RE: Can unused caps age? - 6bq5 12:34:31 10/08/24 (0)
Electrolytic caps are the units that typically fail, as they have a paste as part of the construction.
Film, ceramic, and polystyrene caps should be good for at least that long if not tripple that time...
Happy Listening

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