Do audio components degrade from age or is it the heat from use...

[oldandintheway]

My question relates to NOS or little used but old audio gear. Is it apt to be just fine (assuming decent storage conditions) or is degradation from age alone inevitable? I am asking about the electrical parts, not things like rubber drive belts.

 

[DonR]

My question relates to NOS or little used but old audio gear. Is it apt to be just fine (assuming decent storage conditions) or is degradation from age alone inevitable? I am asking about the electrical parts, not things like rubber drive belts.

Depends on the component. In my experience, it's mostly heat but sometimes age will affect things like glues that can absorb moisture and become conductive over time.

 

[MakeMineVinyl]

The electronic components which would be most subject to degredation is electrolytic capacitors, and heat will accelerate degredation. All other electronic components are likely to be just fine.

 

[lc6]

Electrolytic capacitors are the parts that tend to degrade first. The original design may not have taken into account degradation, parameter tolerances and the source of parts. Plenty of info on that if you do a web search, for example:
What Influences Electrolytic Capacitor Lifespan?
Capacitor plague