MakeMineVinyl
Major Contributor
Electrolytic capacitors have a definite lifespan. Other types like film capacitors which would be used in audio circuits are like resistors and semiconductors which have an indefinite lifespan.
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OP
Deleted member 9685
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When do capacitors start affecting audio quality?
jasonhanjk
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For longevity. Change the supply cap to 50V version and with temp rating of 105deg C.
Many times cheap amplifier designer put their cap so near to the heatsink, which will shorten the cap lifespan very fast.
For same IC but different sound, the issue lies at the LC filter. Cheap manufacturer uses whatever inductor they can get and causes early distortion when power increases.
Many times cheap amplifier designer put their cap so near to the heatsink, which will shorten the cap lifespan very fast.
For same IC but different sound, the issue lies at the LC filter. Cheap manufacturer uses whatever inductor they can get and causes early distortion when power increases.
OP
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jasonhanjk
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Yes. Please prepare to change them after few years usage.
It's designer did not do a good job.
jasonhanjk
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This is the EVK from TI, look where they place their cap.
restorer-john
Grand Contributor
It's an evaluation module, not a commercial design.
Electrolytic filter capacitors should be placed as close to the high current switching devices as you can concievable get them. Any excess length of PCB track or wire will result in increased inductance and resistance- neither of which is helpful.
The Aiyima desin is fine, as long as their is adequate free air flow (I don't think there is) and a low heatsink temperature in normal operation.
MakeMineVinyl
Major Contributor
When they degrade to the point where they stop being capacitors.
Shame about that capacitor placement so near the heat sink. I don't play these amps very loud/full out, so they should still have decent life. I don't think we'll be using these items in 10+ years, something better chip-wise will have come along. (Just not the same as the 60s and 70s amps and receivers where decent sound + the appearance/nostalgia value can justify a full rebuilding.)
weasels
Senior Member
I am honestly torn between this sentiment and the desire to reduce electronics waste.
Happily, the Topping and Aiyama stuff I've bought to date has all functioned impeccably over time, so I haven't needed to make a choice between price and longevity.
Hello, Well, my take on this is that if you buy junk, it doesn't matter where it is made. There is junk made in pretty much every country there is. Also good stuff. Up to the consumer to evaluate the company, before spending their money. Has always been like that and likely always will.
Absolutely no shortage in the world of those who will take shortcuts and cheat to make money.
Absolutely no shortage in the world of those who will take shortcuts and cheat to make money.
weasels
Senior Member
Hmmm, I don't know.... those 470D stickers aren't lined up perfectly, could affect the sound...
Roland68
Major Contributor
The Singxser SA-1 is one of the best examples of good and high quality devices from China with good components
SMPS from Mean Well, Alps Poti and Panasonic FM capacitors. Especially the FM capacitors show that Singxer idea about the components have. Better than any golden "audio grade" capacitors.
Roland68
Major Contributor
Don't worry, they are Chemi-Con GPA types at 125°, which last longer at this temperature than audio types at 85°. If the heat sink does not reach 100° during operation, it might last forever ...
Short distances were perhaps more important to the designer and that's why he chose these types.
Firebird71
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Another aspect most people ignore is clean power. Starting with good surge protection in your home electrical wiring and a good power supply will keep your amps healthy and long living.
Lol
Bob-23
Senior Member
Except of electrolytic capacitors electronic components nearly don't age - and the basic components are cheap, very cheap indeed. (Enclosures, transformers, vol pots are the main cost factors.)
Design faults set aside, the quality of the solder joints plays a role, and leaded solder joints are supposed to live longer and crack less often than leadfree ones - and in my impression, the longevity of through hole components is better than the longevity of smd ones (not to mention repairability.) Take a look e.g. at northridgefix electronics repair (nice program for relaxation): failing capacitors (not electrolytics) en masse, through-hole capacitors (from wima, e.g.) nearly never fail.
Design faults set aside, the quality of the solder joints plays a role, and leaded solder joints are supposed to live longer and crack less often than leadfree ones - and in my impression, the longevity of through hole components is better than the longevity of smd ones (not to mention repairability.) Take a look e.g. at northridgefix electronics repair (nice program for relaxation): failing capacitors (not electrolytics) en masse, through-hole capacitors (from wima, e.g.) nearly never fail.
Haters gonna hateThis thread is wrong on so many levels...
A much better title would be something along the lines of capacitor type, country of production and longevity.
JSmith
Hang on, how can we be sure that the area adjacent to the heatsink heats up enough for it to be a problem?
Also I see plenty of compact devices where the chassis interior is hot everywhere (its not like heat doesn't travel). And I see electrolytic caps being used. The worst being in car stereo equipment. Without doing your own testing, how do you know it's an issue? Or that the cap location didn't solve another problem?
Or is it that the product was made in China and people automatically assumed it was designed incorrectly with zero detailed knowledge of the product other than an internet photo?
weasels
Senior Member
I have no horse in this race, but if it isn't hottest next to the heat sink that is probably indicative of a design problem by itself.
That said, design is all about tradeoffs and I agree that we lack the context regarding this particular tradeoff and assuming it's lazy/bad engineering is presumptuous.
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