SA-8800 Recap & Power Questions

[whitecastle]

Hey folks. Just had a couple questions before I consider a recap of my SA-8800.

I was looking over the recap list for this amp here.

I noticed it does not list replacements for the 4 x 12k 63V Caps mounted on the PA assembly (AWR-182).
In p18 of the service manual, these are shown below the PA assembly and have the code: ACH-209 listed below the cap specs.

Is there a reason why these 4 caps would not be included in a recap?
I was looking at these as replacements.

Also, the UKL1E100KDDANA cap for the TC is out of stock until the new year. It is a 10% cap, but 20% alternatives are available. Is a 20% acceptable, and if so, what kind of difference would it make?

Lastly, I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions on the following issue I'm trying to diagnose.
Sometimes, when I power on my SA-8800, I hear a crackling/fizzing/popping and the LED and Fluoro meters will flicker as the amp powers up. Usually after 3-5 seconds I'll hear a distinctive "click" and everything then seems to work fine. Usually this is one a cold start.

Will recapping the PA address this, or is this an issue with the power transformer? If a recap is the solve, are the proper caps included on the list above? If it's an issue with the transformer, can I service it?

Appreciate any advice. Thanks!

 

[ghostberry]

Hey folks. Just had a couple questions before I consider a recap of my SA-8800.

I was looking over the recap list for this amp here.

I noticed it does not list replacements for the 4 x 12k 63V Caps mounted on the PA assembly (AWR-182).
In p18 of the service manual, these are shown below the PA assembly and have the code: ACH-209 listed below the cap specs.

Is there a reason why these 4 caps would not be included in a recap?
I was looking at these as replacements.

Also, the UKL1E100KDDANA cap for the TC is out of stock until the new year. It is a 10% cap, but 20% alternatives are available. Is a 20% acceptable, and if so, what kind of difference would it make?

Lastly, I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions on the following issue I'm trying to diagnose.
Sometimes, when I power on my SA-8800, I hear a crackling/fizzing/popping and the LED and Fluoro meters will flicker as the amp powers up. Usually after 3-5 seconds I'll hear a distinctive "click" and everything then seems to work fine. Usually this is one a cold start.

Will recapping the PA address this, or is this an issue with the power transformer? If a recap is the solve, are the proper caps included on the list above? If it's an issue with the transformer, can I service it?

Appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Hi Whitecastle,

I am sure someone will help you soon as there are tons of great ones on here and good luck with the recap, I myself am' doing an amp citation 19 and I will say those power caps of mine were $265 for 4 at Mouser but we worth it. I get a very small pop sound when I power down but barely noticeable I think it is the caps draining?

Cheers

 

[petehall347]

also change the bias trimmers .. but make absolutely certain they are turned right down when installing them ..
dont mess with the old ones at any time .. i mean do not try adjusting them ..

 

[Hipocrates]

...Appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Hello, as been said, I would look for the problems first and then the recap (fix first restore later), I had that problem on a SA-7500 and it was a problem with transistors, 2SA750, 2SA850 and others that I don't remember, and the relay too... I don't think recap will solve the issue, with that been said let's wait or the answer of someone with more experience.
IMHO recap is always a good and fun option, I like Panasonic FC for amp stages and Silmic II and Wima films caps for the pre stages. 20% I think is almost the standard.
For the big power supply filters usually they don't go bad, but in my case I have replaced with happy endings. You can look on digi-key for those, and I like Nippon Chemicon, Panasonics, CDE (for the pioneers).
You should replace the relay too. Those buggers gives me some problems with pops and noises.
Keep posting!
Edit about the caps brands opinions.... they are like belly buttons, everyone has one. But can go wrong with nichicons, panasonics and elnas, and their flavors... those list around are a HUGE guide.
Cheers!

 

[Blue Shadow]

Fizzies is the power switch a mentioned get it repaired as it is not going to get better
You can use a 35V cap if yo want to stick to the 10% but the 20% is kinda standard. Does it need to be a low leakage cap based on what Pioneer calls for in that spot?
Frequently the big caps are not on a list for a recap. Leaves a choice. And they are the meat of the matter when it comes to cost of a recap. Does the amp use snap in caps? I sold my SA-8800 to Tammer, who picked it up for me (a CL deal) about 5 years ago. There is a thread about that from years ago.

Don't forget to put in a new relay. That is all that Tammer's unit needed as it was not a candidate for a recap.

 

[whitecastle]

Awesome everyone - thanks so much for the feedback.

I cannot answer the question about the contact/leads on the power caps as I hadn't opened it up yet (still using it daily!). The ones I looked at were less then $10ea, so based on the comments here about cost, I imaging they are not the correct ones.

I will investigate the power switch repair before anything else.
Power switch question: Can they be serviced/cleaned or do you have to replace them?



Thanks @petehall347 for the note about bias trimmers. I had read your post about them else where. I will have to look into appropriate replacements for this SA-8800. Are they a generic or specific type if potentiometer, just get the right specs?

 

[petehall347]

yes get correct specs and be sure they fit in the holes ok .