• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Mcintosh 2205 main capacitors question

bikingbuddha

bikingbuddha

Well-Known Member
Me and my buddy rescued a neglected mcintosh 2205. It was in pretty bad shape with leaking main caps etc but we managed to get it up and running. This is the first time we are hearing a mcintosh and now we know why there is a cult following to them. They sounds pretty good, fun to listen to. Now the question is we are gravely in need of two big capacitors, those GE 39000 UF ones. Unforuntaely we are unable to find it in this island, worst part is what's available doesn't seem to look that good either.

Our repairman as a pair of brand new 22000UF Elna caps, If we replace the original dead caps with these two, what will happen? what will be the effect of using 22000UF in the place of 39000UF?
 
Register to hide this ad
Contact Mouser.com and inquire about shipping to you. Many folks outside the US get free delivery if they reach a certain purchase amount and those big caps will get you well on your way.

Oh, they also receive their shipment a few days quicker than I do.

Hope this can help, in some countries goods have a hard time getting delivered properly without significant taxes or risks.
 
You can go up in value (ie 43000 or 47000), within reason, and/or up in voltage. Just make sure what you get has the same terminal dimensions and longer plastic extensions for the connection terminals. If you get the shorter version you might run into an issue with them shorting to the chassis.

22000 uF instead of 39000 uF might impact bass response and its ability to handle large transient signals, such as a drum, particularly at higher power levels. You might hear some hum at higher output levels also. If you keep the power output within reason, it most likely won't be too noticeable.

These aren't inexpensive nor easy to find even here in the US. I don't know what your supply situation looks like in Sri Lanka but you might check AliExpress if you can't get anything from Mouser, Newark, or RS reasonably.
 
w3jn said:
You can go up in value (ie 43000 or 47000), within reason, and/or up in voltage. Just make sure what you get has the same terminal dimensions and longer plastic extensions for the connection terminals. If you get the shorter version you might run into an issue with them shorting to the chassis.

22000 uF instead of 39000 uF might impact bass response and its ability to handle large transient signals, such as a drum, particularly at higher power levels. You might hear some hum at higher output levels also. If you keep the power output within reason, it most likely won't be too noticeable.

These aren't inexpensive nor easy to find even here in the US. I don't know what your supply situation looks like in Sri Lanka but you might check AliExpress if you can't get anything from Mouser, Newark, or RS reasonably.
Click to expand...
Thank you everybody for all your valued input on my question.

Yes, There are caps available with 39000 capacity in aliexpress, ebay etc, but lots of folks say that aliexpress and ebay sellers send fake caps. Anyways my friend has instructed the repairshop to go ahead with 22000uF Elna caps which they already have. Amp worked powerful enough even with those original (dead) caps and the repair folks said it had around 8000 something left, even with that little the amp performed good enough for my friends speakers which are a pair of "Tannoy 15 Inch gold monitors". He also used it with a pair of old victor zero 2. The other speakers he has is SPICA TC-60. I think 22000uF being healthy it will be good enough until he finds the caps with actual values. Besides I don't think any of his speakers uses that much wattage to run. (Correct me if I am wrong)
 
FWIW, The way to tell if the lower value replacement capacitor are going to function correctly is to run the amp up to clipping using a 1 KH sine wave with a correct ohm dummy load connected to the same output ohm connection of the amp both channels driven and observe if the is any significant power supply ripple present at the top and bottom of the waveform on the scope.

My 2205`s original main caps developed electrolyte leakage over 10 yrs. ago and I decided to replace them with a much higher uF value (like 100k over the stock 39 k), that and the replacement of the original AC in rush thermistor, and some front panel light bulbs have been the only service the MC-2205 has needed since my used purchase of it in ~1986, and it remains powered up 24/7/365 playing my WAV. ripped clear sounding music in the sunroom all day, every single day.

I`m not suggesting that someone jack up the over 100% microfarad value increase like I did, but in my case it has been successfully done without any issues, also that sunroom`s Mc. system receives it AC from a 20 amp dedicated circuit and 20 amp rated 120 v Tripp-Lite surge/spike protected AVR.
 
bikingbuddha said:
Me and my buddy rescued a neglected mcintosh 2205. It was in pretty bad shape with leaking main caps etc but we managed to get it up and running. This is the first time we are hearing a mcintosh and now we know why there is a cult following to them. They sounds pretty good, fun to listen to. Now the question is we are gravely in need of two big capacitors, those GE 39000 UF ones. Unforuntaely we are unable to find it in this island, worst part is what's available doesn't seem to look that good either.

Our repairman as a pair of brand new 22000UF Elna caps, If we replace the original dead caps with these two, what will happen? what will be the effect of using 22000UF in the place of 39000UF?
Click to expand...

This is an AK member that I think does bulk buys of specific caps to get certain capacitances and sizes.
Internation shipping wouldn't be an issue then either.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom