Altec 846B crossover cap replacement question

[rush2112guy]

Should I replace the original caps with the same micro-farad rated film caps or is there a new prefered option? Also what is the Yellow chalky stuff on the coils?

 

[rcs16]

Lots will say change the caps but if it's working fine why bother? One could measure the caps to be certain that they are in spec. Most times when people change the caps, they use film types. Some go nuts on exotic types.
I believe the yellow power is tin oxide, hopefully it's not cadmium oxide, which is toxic.
Some believe laminated core inductors cause saturation distortion, but these types have lower winding losses thus do not require heavy gauge wire. Many think air core inductors are the best, no distortion, but need heavy gauge wire to equal the winding resistance of the laminated core types. Core loss eats into efficiency.
I have a set of model 3ii that I put new woofers (10rs350) and tweeters (mdt-32s) in as an upgrade, left the original crossover, only changed the tweeter L-pad, the xovers looks similar to what you posted. They sound really nice. So much so I have not bother to change the xover components.

 

[loudnoises]

Lots will say change the caps but if it's working fine why bother? One could measure the caps to be certain that they are in spec. Most times when people change the caps, they use film types. Some go nuts on exotic types.
I believe the yellow power is tin oxide, hopefully it's not cadmium oxide, which is toxic.
Some believe laminated core inductors cause saturation distortion, but these types have lower winding losses thus do not require heavy gauge wire. Many think air core inductors are the best, no distortion, but need heavy gauge wire to equal the winding resistance of the laminated core types. Core loss eats into efficiency.
I have a set of model 3ii that I put new woofers (10rs350) and tweeters (mdt-32s) in as an upgrade, left the original crossover, only changed the tweeter L-pad, the xovers looks similar to what you posted. They sound really nice. So much so I have not bother to change the xover components.

These caps are known baddies, they did not age well.

 

[RonSSNova]

I’ve measured MANY of the stock crossover caps and found none out of spec.
I’ve also replaced the stickers with film caps and hated the results. Put stock back in.