ANOTHER C26 Recapping Post!

[bobbystone]

Hey guys! I'm relatively new to this forum. I'm trying to rehab an old C26 Pre-amp. My father, who loved Jazz bought this system in the late 70's. Its my inheritance from him, that and a good sense of humor, and a love of old Jazz.

I've taken the unit apart, and cleaned all the pots and switches, and researched what I could on this forum about what to re-cap. I understand about the power supply caps, but can someone let me know what other caps to change that will make the unit sound as good as possible? I assume that the black yellow-topped rectangles are caps right? and are the smaller yellow rectangular components also caps? They look like they may be some sort of multi-cap.

Should I test the caps with an ESR meter first? Or just re-cap everything?

What should I use to replace them? and what's a good source, Mouser?

Thanks in advance.

Bobby

 

[kaplang]

Welcome to the forum Bobby,

I am a firm believer that if old caps test within spec then it's OK to use them with confidence. Many here will disagree with me and that's OK. It's just my opinion. I also have a C26 that I bought used 8 years ago from the original owner and the caps have never been replaced. The only thing I have done is clean the controls and had to replace the volume pot that failed. I love the pre amp and use it daily.

George

 

[c_dk]

Time is money, by the time you have removed the 40 year old cap to test a new Nichicon Kg or similar can be dropped in place.

This "shotgunning" approach makes sense for restoration but not "repair" which is why so few repair techs will do restorations.

 

[rickl]

Bobby, there are a couple other c26 re-cap threads that you may find useful.

https://www.audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/time-to-update-the-c26.477260/
https://www.audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/c26-overhaul-advice.638426/

These should provide you with more info. Pay attention to Terry DeWick's posts. Mouser is a good source for replacements.

 

[c_dk]

The vertical tubular caps are electrolyte caps. They have an effective life span are are the suspects.

The yellow and yellow topped ones are a film typ, and while some will swear about sound improvement by swapping brands they seldom fail.

The schematic usually lists the electrolyte style in the parts list, from there you can find them on the boards.

 

[bobbystone]

Thanks for your help, guys. A couple of Questions. Are the green topped caps in this picture Tantalum caps or ceramic? And what should they be replaced with?

Also, how close do I need to be with MFD? I know I can go over with voltage.

And lastly, Other than matching the capacitance and the voltage, is there anything else I need to pay attention to?

Thanks!

 

[c_dk]

Those pictured are ceramic caps, out of the signal path they I'll be fine.

Tantalums look like teardrops in this vintage equipment and should be replaced.

Your modern caps will most often be rated for quite a bit more voltage thn the old ones. Keep the capacitance right on until you gain an understanding of circuit deign.

 

[c-atle-79bay]

I will be watching closely. I'm on the fence what to do with mine that I just got. Was quoted about 3-500 for a recap, and was also advised to leave the film caps, that McIntosh used high quality parts. I was also warned about the volume control, and that it would have more to do with sound quality than a recap. I've also read similar things here. However, the unit sounds good as is, perhaps a little heavy ended but by no means bad. Can't wait to hear your impressions. And to snipe your work photos.

 

[BilboBaggins]

I love mine and it is all stock. There is a little cross talk so I will be having it restored when I have the funds. I love the controls on it. The way they feel, the vintage look of the unit, actually, everything about it. Congratulations!