Technics SL-1600 MK1 reCAP Need Advice

[Jacob Prince]

Can someone get me started on how to reCAP my sl-1600 MK1? Having no issues just heard it’s something that usually needs doing on older technics and I want my deck in the best shape possible. I have no electrical engineering experience but going to be assisted by my friend that does. Where can I buy the capacitors online? Which ones need to be replaced? How do I not electrocute myself and die? I’ve completely taken apart my TT for repairs like 4 times now so I’m pretty comfortable with doing the work.

First post here, hi to all!

 

[Montycat]

Hya Jacob!
Welcome to the club.

1- Mouser and Digikey are 2 of your best online sources, though EBay and Amazon might have them too.

2- Usually all electrolytic capacitors. These are the can shaped polarized ones.

3 - Can't help you here, bud. Here you are on your own.

If your friend can solder that helps. If not, start practicing. Get a dead or worthless piece of gear (old radio? VCR?) and desolder and resolder some parts.

Get the Service Manual from Vinyl Engine and find the caps in there. However sometimes specs changed or the manual has errors. It's best to get the required values from the actual circuit board. Always use the same capacitance value (the uf or pf figure), but if a voltage rating is not available it's ok to go higher, such as from 16 to 25 volts, but not lower

 

[MonkeyRelish]

I have recapped my SL-1400, SL-1700 and SL-1700 MK2.
I kept the caps.
Recently, I bought a Peak Atlas capacitor tester.
Tested every capacitor, and guess what ?

They ALL tested in spec.
I still felt better replacing them, but was it really necessary?
Probably not.

Mr Relish