We all know there is good reason to replace old capacitors in old audio tube equipment and we do so faithfully because we know old capacitors deteriorate with age—and originals just never sound as good as modern replacements—not always true and I will share an exception.
For years I have run an Eico HF-85 preamp with a pair of Eico HF-60 amplifiers in a “second” system that I play about once a month for an hour or so. I recapped the HF-60s a long time ago and recalled I had also done likewise with the HF-85. The system has always sounded great—so I just kept running it. Recently I pulled a Scott 130 preamp, which I had been storing for years, off the shelf. I re-capped it, and replaced my HF-85 with it. (The 130 sounds even better, I must admit).
No longer needing the HF-85, thought I would put it for sale on EBAY. Before doing so, decided to take pictures of it. When I took the bottom plate off, I was amazed to find all original capacitors—because I thought I had recapped this preamplifier. Included were 4 paper capacitors and the usual black Pyramid caps. I took measurements on the electrolytics and all were within original spec and with low ESRs. This surprised me because the HF-85 had (and was still) performing well.
I do plan to re-cap the HF-85 before selling—because that is the expectation—but did want to share my experience with those of you in the know. Some might say the caps lasted as long as they did due to light use—and that may be true—but even without use 55 year old parts typically deteriorate significantly. Draw your own conclusions—just sharing my experience.
For years I have run an Eico HF-85 preamp with a pair of Eico HF-60 amplifiers in a “second” system that I play about once a month for an hour or so. I recapped the HF-60s a long time ago and recalled I had also done likewise with the HF-85. The system has always sounded great—so I just kept running it. Recently I pulled a Scott 130 preamp, which I had been storing for years, off the shelf. I re-capped it, and replaced my HF-85 with it. (The 130 sounds even better, I must admit).
No longer needing the HF-85, thought I would put it for sale on EBAY. Before doing so, decided to take pictures of it. When I took the bottom plate off, I was amazed to find all original capacitors—because I thought I had recapped this preamplifier. Included were 4 paper capacitors and the usual black Pyramid caps. I took measurements on the electrolytics and all were within original spec and with low ESRs. This surprised me because the HF-85 had (and was still) performing well.
I do plan to re-cap the HF-85 before selling—because that is the expectation—but did want to share my experience with those of you in the know. Some might say the caps lasted as long as they did due to light use—and that may be true—but even without use 55 year old parts typically deteriorate significantly. Draw your own conclusions—just sharing my experience.
