Onkyo TX2500 Restoration Advice/Feedback

[JIBBLES]

Hi all. I could use some advice on my latest project. I've acquired (as the 2nd owner) a really well kept Onkyo TX2500 receiver. My list of upgrades/modifications might be lengthy (as there are subjectively 'better' receivers out there), but I'd really like to refresh this unit and have it be a centerpiece for years to come. There's a good bit of sentimental value with this too.

Anyhow...In popping the top and bottom covers off this thing looks REALLY great inside. I am struggling with whether or not to do a full recap and a full transistor replacement for all the boards. Currently NONE of the caps show signs of age (no bulging, leaking or issues) and the same goes for the transistors. No burn marks on any of the PCB's either. There's an extremely small amount of corrosion near the transformer board and fuse area (see pics) but I suspect that's from possible moisture with heat cycles - nothing that alarms me.

I've also included pictures of the main board and it's solder spots. It appears as if some of the transistors were replaced at one time? I honestly can't tell though so I thought sharing here for more experienced eyes could be helpful.

I've already listed and sourced all the caps to spec and am working on the transistor list this weekend. I'm not shy with a soldering iron and having the patience to do small sections at a time with detail...things just look so clean and potentially done at some point in time (which I can't confirm).

Is it worth the time & effort to change 70+ caps and 35+ transistors without risking damage? What would you do if this was your setup?

 

[Ray66]

I did a partial restoration on a TX2500 MkII a few years ago so my comments may not apply to the MkI, assuming that's what you have. I recall the build quality was good. My notes on it aren't complete but I believe only one transistor (2SC1312) was flagged on the dlucy sticky trouble list that you can find here. As for the electrolytics I'm of the school to replace. Just because they look good doesn't mean they are in spec.

 

[JIBBLES]

I did a partial restoration on a TX2500 MkII a few years ago so my comments may not apply to the MkI, assuming that's what you have. I recall the build quality was good. My notes on it aren't complete but I believe only one transistor (2SC1312) was flagged on the dlucy sticky trouble list that you can find here. As for the electrolytics I'm of the school to replace. Just because they look good doesn't mean they are in spec.

Thanks. Yes it's an MKI (or just standard TX2500) -- not the MKII. They are similar overall.

That's essentially my thought process too. If I'm gonna do it right...do it right.

I'll look for the dlucy sticky and give it a read. I did find a couple of the transistors being incorrect in the unit (either a completely different number OR having a different letter vs what the manual calls for).