New Cap Job - What can I expect?

[kramerxxx]

I have a 1989 Mark that I believe needs a cap job due to it's age. Can anyone share their experiences with what the before and after sound of the amp was like with getting the caps replaced?

1. Was it a dramatic difference in the sound?
2. If so, was it a Good difference?
3. Did it tighten the bass response?
4. Did it give you the sparkle and chime to the clean sound?
5. Did your amp lose any of it's 'Mojo'?
6. What did you spend to get this done?
7. Did you have any other work done at the same time?
8. Was it worth it?

thanks,
Steve

 

[dodger916]

I'll be geting my C+ back this week; I'll let you know then.

 

[av8or3]

Lots of questions, here we go......
1.Yes
2.Yes
3.Yes
4.Yes
5.No
6.$200
7.No
8.Absolutely

Hope this helps
Jim

 

[kramerxxx]

Lots of questions, here we go......
1.Yes
2.Yes
3.Yes
4.Yes
5.No
6.$200
7.No
8.Absolutely

Hope this helps
Jim

Jim,
Thank you very much for your reply, it really helps. I numbered the questions, based on your answers,

I have several amps and I'm wanting another, an Electra Dyne, and was considering if I should sell one of my Mesas. I guess I'm going to be selling the Hot Cat and getting a tune up for the Mark. I got a quote for the work and it is about what you spent. $90 for labor, $8ea for the big caps and $3-4 for the small ones. I'll be putting it in the shop this week.

thanks again,
Steve

 

[okgb]

when anyone has been doing this
has it been mostly psu electrolytics ?
or any and all electrolytics ?
and particular types [ low ESR ? ]

tia , regards Greg

 

[Boogiebabies]

It's the PSU caps and the three 30uf's on the main power board. The 30uf on the preamp
is a scary proposition to replace. It almost need the preamp board to be lifted to be done
as the trace on it is weak and almost impossible to cut the length correctly without touching the chassis.
For Boogies, I would only use Mesa BMI caps. In a pinch, I would use F&T. The bias caps I used the Mesa or Mesa spec Nichicon 47uf/100V.
The 470uf/16V for the LDR supply can be changed, but I have never
seen one go bad, the same for the two 220uf/63V for the EQ supply.

 

[Shep]

I just replaced my C+'s Power supply EQ and Bais Cap's. as well as that i also put new pre amp tubes and the original 105 transformer was placed back in.

The sound transformation WAS HUGE. The amp is so so much better. I can't even begin to tell you.

It's so much cleaner and sweeter. the bottom end is ridiculously tight and SUPER responsive.

Do it. silly not to.

 

[scottieL]

I'm sure this has been asked before but here it goes:

I've got a Mark IVa that I bought used a year ago, the youngest it could be is 16, how do I know when I'm due for a cap job???

 

[Boogiebabies]

We've been going by the ten year rule. Over ten, change them.
Use the search function for posts by stokes.
He has been the guy who has lead us to the light on caps.

 

[sparklesmcgraw]

The search function sucks balls.

I can't seem to find anything specific using it.

 

[Boogiebabies]

O.K., then just change the power section caps every ten years.
No fuss, no muss and no ball sucking.

 

[sparklesmcgraw]

I enjoy no ball sucking.

I have a 93 Mark IVa and am contemplating getting a cap job done although it sounds great as is!

Problem is I am in the UK and have no idea where to get a quality engineer to perform such a task.

Anyone have any ideas?