How To Replace (And Spec) Filter Capacitors on Vintage Receivers

What tools do I use? • Must-Have Tools For Wo...
1:02 - Disassembly/Removal
3:55 - How To Spec and Find Replacement Caps
7:16 - Reassembly/Installation
12:42 - Measuring Capacitance - Was Replacement Necessary?
In this video I replace the filter capacitors on a Marantz 2250B, but this video is certainly applicable and/or relevant to many other vintage receivers!
This 2250B is getting a full restoration, so check out my channel if you'd like to see other videos about restoration!
www.mouser.com
If Mouser doesn't have the capacitor you need, also check digikey.com.
IF YOU CAN'T FIND THE RIGHT SOLDER TERMINAL-STYLE FILTER CAPACITORS, what you can do is search by "snap in" termination, find one with the right specs, and then buy some ring terminals to crimp/solder onto the capacitor snap in pins. That way you can easily attach wires to the ring terminals just like a solder lug. Or, you can buy screw terminal capacitors and crimp a ring terminal to each wire.

[@jimmy_jamesjams_a_lot4171]

Your deck right there is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. For the late 1970s, we can see a testament to the ‘old-fashioned’ production practices. Turret lugs, wrapped wires, and even what looks like ‘point to point’. The modularity of the circuit ‘blocks’ is really something to admire, with those trimmers and tuning points literally labeled on that black sheet of metal. I can barely recall seeing such generous labeling and marking for the sake of troubleshooting. The last days of design considerations for the now practically extinct appliance repair man. We really do a major service and show respect to both our predecessors and successors when we keep these appliances out of the landfills. THANKS for sharing and showing the Marantz!!

[@aitchr8770]

Desolder the wires instead of cutting. You preserve the length and they are then pre tinned.

[@j.t.cooper2963]

Rookie mistake.

[@richardlighthouse5328]

What a nice way to get lifted pads.

[@MrDoneboy]

Solder blobs are not good!

[@monz7951]

​​@@richardlighthouse5328hose are not connected to pads though. Wire to solder terminal

[@juliocubias9600]

Great Video !!! for the seasoned professional this is child's play, but for us enthusiasts and hobbyists and beginner electronic kits builders out there, this is just a great workshop, Thank you !!!

[@cpgixxer]

A little hint for you to make life easier when soldering lugs and those buss bars - apply some flux paste to where you are going to solder prior , speeds up the process and make quicker work of it.

[@zulumax1]

I always tin my stranded wires to keep the strands married together prior to soldering as well.

[@reinkansman1081]

Nicely done- clear and complete. I am certainly a beginner when it comes to repairing electronics and I get this. Thank you.

[@rmzidann]

Well done!! Thank you for posting these videos. You are a great resource. I am not an electrical engineer and still have trouble with Ohm’s law but love your videos! 😁

[@carlrudd1858]

35x80mm is a fairly common size... for those wondering. GOOD JOB, Mr. Ah.

[@timlincoln2246]

Higher capacitance remember can place more stress on the power supply components, particularly the rectifier diodes - not as critical to solid state devices like you are working on, but certain for older tube rectifiers. It is best to stick to what the engineers designed it for.

[@leannmeixner8073]

Thats true mostly for the first filter cap after the rectifier. Others in the power supply you can easily double if you want and space permits. Remember some electrolytic caps are in the AUDIO PATH, so those you dont want to change off value more than 10-20% at most.

[@ptx3914]

And he said “12 thousand for 10 is fine.” I agree. If you manage to blow up some rec diodes that way you needed to replace them anyway. Personally, I’d then find some LED’s that were overspeced to go with them. But I’m weird, so take all the above with a reasonable excess of grains of salt.

[@jtaylor0727]

I am really rooting for this rebuild .... I love Marantz ... my first decent stereo in the early 1970d ... 2230 ... it had plenty of power... I look forward to seeing your experience with the 2250 B ... I currently have a 2226B ... it had some technical issues but it is beautiful... I have 2 Pioneers from that era too .... I have really grown to love them too.

[@terrylyn]

Just got myself into vintage amps, this was really useful for me learning how to replace the decades old caps, thank you.

[@imatellya2609]

Excellent video. Very straightforward and to the point.

[@scottm.58]

Thanks for making this video. Now I have the confidence to do this on my own.

[@ciweld]

That is brilliant use of the light bulb indication. I’m getting ready to do a cap replacement on my pioneer sx1050🤞🏻

[@InssiAjaton]

The not so ancient amplifiers with semiconductor diodes can indeed tolerate higher filter capacitor values. But if you have a real antique radio or amplifier with tube rectifiers, beware. The higher filter capacitance causes both inrush and continuous ripple current increase that stresses the rectifier tube more. It even can kill the rectifier tube on the spot, if you are really unlucky. And a finer point - the task if the filter capacitors is to reduce hum. But extra capacitance causes more "spiky" current draw and the spikes can couple MORE to any nearby sensitive circuits, thereby negating the intended hum reduction! I would stick to original values as closely as practical, which might mean the + and - 20% often marked on the cans.

Thank you for sharing all this knowledge! I serieously needed it as I have around 10 Marantz amps but all of them have developed some kind of static noise through the speakers. Time for a recap

[@itmejimothy]

Phenomenal video, thanks for sharing this great info!

[@HoneyWindbutton]

This is a gift to the world. Thank you

[@johnjames378]

Actually you want to spec your replacement cap as close to the original. Voltage wise - in this case a 50v rating - do not under spec this - you can go over, but not by much. Capacitance wise - in this case is 10,000 ufd - if you use a 15,000ufd, that is a 50% increase in capacitance. You will have much greater charge current when you turn the receiver on. Not good for the rest of the power supply. Usually those power supply caps where of very good quality, just like the very low capacitance orange electrolytics in the audio path. You have to remember that these vintage receivers where designed to provide the best audio quality for their time. Big competition between brands, so good circuit design and quality parts at a good price point. Not like today - build it cheap who cares attitude. You said it yourself your not an electrical engineer, I am from the old days. All in all very good video.

[@imqqmi]

Not entiry correct, charge current is largely determined by esr, not capacity,. But it is true power is drawn longer at a higher current until the voltage settles. Modern caps typically have lower esr, charge quicker with higher current but also recharge quicker, potentally improve the audio at higher volumes compared to the original caps. Another important spec is temperature, usually you want 105 degrees c tolerance rather than 85 degrees. It can get pretty toasty inside the amp, caps with a higher tolerance may last longer.

[@sierrawhiskey5155]

Thanks for posting. Best wishes for future endeavours.

[@user-vc9gd9mo9u]

Thank you for this! I was able to use this video to replace the HV capacitors on my FT-101E successfully!

[@jimroberts5848]

One of the best instructional video's anywhere. Thank You Sincerely

[@toddstyles7194]

This guy is great. Thanks for the video.

[@rbrucecarter]

Much better video than the one I saw where you washed with tap water and a pressure washer. I pretty much lost all respect for you when I saw that one, but in this one I can see that you are a serious restorer and not just ruining vintage equipment with tap water. As one restorer to another - always use distilled water, especially on anything with a tuner.

[@davesanders4381]

It's common practice to wash electronic devices with water but at low pressure to avoid damage to delicate components. Afterward drying to remove all the moisture is essential to avoid any unwanted circuit paths which may burn up circuit components.

[@dimitarkirchevdimitrov6321]

Great video mate👍

[@Fiend404]

very helpful video friend, appreciate it.

[@jimkoll1870]

Thanks for the tips!

[@pcascio]

Thank you. Great tutorial.

[@davewallace8219]

thank you for your...effort...and time!

[@girishkukadia9916]

A great video, thanks.

[@BrainHurricanes]

I would be verry interested in knowing the remaining capacitance of the old ones. Thanks for sharing.

[@chesnut72]

great video!! Thanks

[@Bianchi77]

Nice info, thank you for sharing it :)

[@java2architect]

Thank you so much for this video. Gives me confidence to change the caps on mine. Can you please make a video on showing how to connect dim bulb tester?

[@MichaelYates]

Nice Work

[@claesmansson9070]

Ok,he did measure after new install,if one is bad I would def. install both new too.Thank you.

[@DJNeiloSF]

Would have been interesting to measure the capacitors ESR also

[@nordland2235]

I got a 2275 that needs re-capped......its got the optional wood case....very nice.

[@hifi.david.]

Nice video

[@marksteven3534]

My brother liked the Marantz and pops the McIntosh, but I went with the Sansui 9090DB and still using it to this day.

[@26Jorgeb]

Thanks again for the very informative video.

[@WilliamNoah-gt8ge]

Oh hell ya, good video, wonder how close those caps are to a Denon since both are built by same manufacturer. Thanks, again best video I've seen on this subject.

[@jean-pierrehaubert3551]

You never mentioned polarity of the capacitor which is VERY important, if you install them in reverse polarity they will either blow on power up or not last very long !!!

[@kristhompson8112]

Yes just what I was thinking ... it could be worth mentioning all the different symbols used to indicate Poss / Neg polarity

[@ptx3914]

That was excellent! PS: I also thought “Unsolder, don’t cut, noooo!” But actually, I like your fresh but tiny cuts bettter.

[@jisozaki]

Great video, very helpful and informative. Do you have any comments or suggestions on replacing any of the other smaller, electrolytic capacitors in a receiver/amp? I'm in the planning process of recapping my power supply filter capacitors and thought I might replace some of the others that might be weak links in a restoration while I'm putting my order together. Any info or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@AHFixIt]

Just do a good job desoldering from the PCB and don't mess up the polarity! Nichicon PW series are good for power circuits and KA series are good for signal path circuits.

[@bobkitchin8346]

One critical point you should have mentioned was to identify the original cap wiring polarity, and wire the new caps the same way. If one wires the caps with the opposite polarity, the caps can literally explode!

[@joeblow-lk6ff]

I like your videos on vintage Marantz receiver. I have a 2230 Marantz the tunnimg meter in the upper left hand side it only moves a little big and hard to tune stations does the Am FM board need to be repaired. What do you recommend. Thanks Randy.

[@Greatdome99]

Capacitors are the equivalent of flywheels. Both smooth out inputs by creating inertia.

[@dennismcgarry6486]

Hi, I LOVE your videos! I have a similar Marantz unit, and mine has these two exact filter capacitors. December 2022--Having a really hard time finding replacements as easy as you do in this video from last year. Mouser and Digikey seem to be a no-go, but, Digikey has a similar one but it is a bit taller (OK for clearance) and it is screw lug mount. Do you have any other places to suggest that might have parts like this? thanks!

[@ericflores9118]

Try Parts Express

[@raymondmenard5444]

Excellent video, thank's for sharing, must say though so far i can't find a single part i'm looking for either on Mouser or Digi Key's web sites. Anytime i try using the filters other drop down menus disappear so i can't feed in the specs i'm looking for. I must be doing something wrong, always a user error right ?

[@thezogs95]

I have a technics sa 300 from the 70s. I have a hum coming from it even if the volume is down or up. I can hear it in my headphones. Do you think that it has a problem with the capacitors in the power supply section of the board?

[@young_of_the_mill9560]

What size solder wire you typically use for recapping?

[@alexandrecommere8776]

Great video, very useful! Did you notice a big difference after this replacement?

[@AHFixIt]

Nope! They were replaced for reliability

[@wrh0627]

What size of non insulated ring terminals do you use for a snap in filter capacitors? I'm working on a Marantz 1060

[@claesmansson9070]

Did he measure the old elec.caps.Faradwise?,did he write down or mark + and -?

[@petenamlook18]

Always take pictures and/or draw a diagram before you start cutting wires.

[@TheEchelon]

Well, he took a video of it ;)

[@Psychedelic-Playground]

Hello, i have an nice vintage amp from the 70s. Its an HVA-8030. The problem is, that it has a continue rustling sound. When music is not playing all the time he makes this tone. And when music plays u can still hear it. Do u know what i could check or change to make him work silently? I life far away in germany sadly. And its kinda hard to find good shops that really know what they are doing without paying hundreds of euros. The amp cost me 35 bucks but i really want to safe him, because he works really well. Do u know what i could do to repair and maybe even modify him?

[@denisandreev8807]

Как правило, чем больше ёмкость конденсатора, тем меньше он подвержен старению. Конденсаторы меньше 100mF, почти всегда требуют замены из-за высокого esr и упавшей ёмкости. 2200mF и выше обычно в отличном состоянии и имеют номинальные характеристики. Не нужно чинить то, что не сломано! Меняйте только вышедшие из строя детали.

[@Psychobeppe]

Is the filter capacitor the same as a smoothing capacitor?

[@armandine2]

Given you were using your dmm to measure capacitance, I'd've measured the new replacement electrolytics before the old ones.

[@Atelierul29]

20% of 10000uF is 2000 uF.The second capacitor might still be in tolerance.You need to keep in mind that meters have their own tolerance too ,which is significantly higher when measuring values in 1xxx-10xxx range!

[@patthewoodboy]

they are old and need replacing despite that they in spec

[@Atelierul29]

@@patthewoodboy if they are in spec there's no "need" to replace them.Replacing the in this state is just a choice,not a need!

[@stevenross9271]

I have removed the filter capacitors from my Marantz 2250 and have not been able to find replacements on mouser. Any idea on what I should do?

[@larryshaver3568]

was your test meter very expensive? i'm thinking about getting one

[@jorgemartin5093]

Hi!! I'm a little lost with an Akai AA1050 amplifier that I recently bought. One technician friend of me opened it and watched that every component was original. He cleaned the pots and a relay wich he removed to clean it and put it again in its place. What I listen to is an excellent and open bass sound with big soundstage too it has issues wihen playing high midrange freq. It starts to shout too much like the amp is working at its limits (though the volume control is not too high than a (ten minutes to hour position like in a clock). Some kind if a dirty shouty sound that gets me mad. Can it be the capacitors?? Or some of them?? I didn't find any you tube video that shows how a bad capacitors amp can sound like. Can you help me please???

[@disorderindminor]

an ESR meter is nice for testing caps Sometimes a cap that tests good the ESR will have changed causing "strange" issues.

[@UgurOnderBozkurt]

12:32 what makes that click sound on amp? I remeber my old marantz had that in 80s. but now I have a 2226. it doesnt make that sound. (also has caps issued I guess) I am sooo lucky to find your channel. I can do these stuff but I needed some tips. thanks for reply. (for click sound)

[@AHFixIt]

The click sound is a relay. The 2226 does not have a relay so it should not make a click sound. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4vTfGSbZdV4Z68 kzbin.info/www/bejne/faPNk5ykmdqWotk

[@robertholsopple9451]

I have a vintage Cerwin-Vega amp from a powered subwoofer that has a hum or buzzing that's constant, even if the volume is turned all the way down. I assume the issue is filter caps. I found 2 replacement 50v 6800uf caps for the plate amp, I hope that fixes the buzzing noise. It's not very loud or noticeable but I noticed some of the components around the filter caps have scorched the board and turned it brown in spots! Must have got too hot. Is that indicative of bad filter caps? Can they cause other components to overheat?The old caps don't rattle, nor are they swelled but I am out of ideas on what would be causing the buzzing and burning the board. I should get the replacement filter caps in a few weeks from China. I'll update if it works. I've never tried fixing anything such as this before but I can solder well and I love this old subwoofer and amp combo and want to save it and keep it original. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@AHFixIt]

Probably filter caps. Check out this recent video I made on a McIntosh power amp with bad filter caps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5bZlHuulrOCqdE

[@toddm9957]

Great job do you want to repair my 2216b?

[@woodymoto2326]

@AH-Fix-It, what brand and model of soldering station do you use and or recommend?

[@AHFixIt]

I'm using a very old Weller that I inherited from my Grandfather. I'd recommend a station that has an adjustable temperature control, which I believe most half decent stations have today. Regarding brand and model, I'd google "best soldering stations 2021" and see what comes up. I don't have much experience with anything other than my ancient Weller which requires changing the soldering tip to change the temperature. I'd love to have a station with a temperature knob.

[@miss.wright3035]

put flux on solder point before using the sucker. It will liquefy solder quicker and suck up more.

[@melovemusic69]

You should have shown how to discharge the capacitors if they were charged. Just saying.

[@tjules7]

I took my NAD 7400 receiver for repair, but the guy is having a hard time finding transitors/capacitors repalcement. Can you suggest a place where to buy those components?

[@hankjones2975]

I have been having trouble with a pioneer xs 850. sometimes static on one side sometimes great. never know. Do you think you have an idea whats going on or do you have a business

[@joeyahoo4493]

How do judge the caps need to be replaced? I usually take off the caps & test it using ESR cap tester. If the value still within the range, i wouldn't change it.

[@juddery]

As a relative beginner to vintage audio repair, but with some basic knowledge, I got a little confused, then concerned when I saw you soldering the positive terminal of the left capacitor, to what you refer to as the ground rail. Initially I thought you'd connected it the wrong way, but then I realised that the metal "ground" plate must actually be the 0 volt rail, which would mean the negatitive terminal of the left capacitor actually connects to the negative volt rail and the positive terminal of the right capacitor, connects to the positive volt rail. Have I understood that correctly?

[@davesanders4381]

The final power output stage for the Marantz 2250B requires both +40 and -40 volts. That's reason why the filter capacitors are connected that way.

[@y_x2]

What about the ESR of capacitors?

[@peterfong2241]

Blessed love to all, can I get the website for the capacitor, please an thanks watching from Jamaica west Indies !!

[@toddstyles7194]

I wish I had your knowledge.😢

[@louisestrada9991]

Love your presentation! You failed to explain why go higher in capacitance (e.g., 10,000uf to 15,000uf) on a capacitor. I have a 15,000uf capacitor that my amp originally came with and have decided to go with a 22,000uf capacitor. Is this ok or stay with the original uf rating that the amp came with?

[@AHFixIt]

It comes down to the transformer and how much current it can handle. When you turn the power on, those capacitors will charge up immediately and draw a lot of current. The larger the capacitor, the higher the current surge will be when the power is turned on. 15k is already a pretty big number so going to 22k could be ok but I am not certain. It varies by amp and there's no real way to know until you try it.

[@davesanders4381]

You are probably OK with doing the 22,000 if the amp is solid state but I would be cautious if it's a tube amp. Larger charging currents at turn on may to be much for the tube circuits. Series limiting resistors can be added to the power supply circuit to help control inrush current.

[@briancampbell7712]

is it a waste for me to use mundorf silver solder for this type of capacitor soldering?...what do you suggest?

[@AHFixIt]

Kester 40/60

[@briancampbell7712]

@@AHFixIt what is the make up...60? 40?

[@garytrent1]

I have a pioneer 1080The left channel is very weak and goes and comes.Do you think it could be 1 of the compatible ??where should look for the problem if that's not it

[@markthackray3185]

Could be but likely bad solder joint.

[@Zhorellski]

Novice question: Since this is a Solid State Amp. On a Tube Amp it’s equivalent are the Power Tubes?

[@AHFixIt]

No. Tube amps also use filter capacitors.

[@TomBenner1215]

❤ty

[@BREEDINGGROUND1]

I'd stay with the same capacitance but a higher voltage replacement is fine.

[@user-fs8gg5ki2y]

You forgot to mentón the polarity if you place them incorrectly they will blow

[@jl1403]

If you could show how to do it on naim nap 140 and nac 72 . thank you

[@TheEchelon]

You think he has every amp laying around just to show you?

[@davidknibbs9646]

How much was the capacitor and website 🤔

[@manuelarmas8929]

How much did you pay for then? Why you did not check if the old ones are still good?

[@Shnick]

After 20 years or so they start to dry out and fail. Storage conditions, etc matter as well, hot attics tend to do most of the damage over the years.

[@charlythouvenot1746]

Hi, what are the symptoms of defective filter capacitors? My marantz 2235B makes a bzzzzzz noise on low volumes (highly audible near to 0, at 0 nothing)...do you think it could be those caps? I will desolder them soon and check the values And thanks from France for all your vids, it's very helpfull!😉

[@AHFixIt]

Bad filter caps would make noise that does not change with the volume knob.

[@charlythouvenot1746]

Hi, i've found my problem, it was 2 capacitors on the power supply that were dead, the amp works now great execpt a loud pop in the speakers when i switch it off. Had you ever encountered this problem ? And do you know a solution? Thanks a lot for all your vids and help.

[@AHFixIt]

Haven't encountered that before. I'd check DC offset to start

[@charlythouvenot1746]

@@AHFixIt it's already done, DC Offset et bias settings I haven't changed the relay...maybe it could be that?

[@charlythouvenot1746]

@@AHFixIt kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJKokp2lrcaIq5I Exact same "POP" when switching off as in this vid, he cleaned the relay and says it's gone, as many comments...i tried the same cleaning with no effects, so i'll try a go with a new relay

[@johnglover8419]

Do you ever recommend using a variac to warm up one of these old amps that have been sitting for many years? I have a old marantz 4100 that has sat for a very long time. I replaced the main caps but I'm a little bit leery of starting it up without a variac.

[@AHFixIt]

There's certainly no harm in doing that if you have a variac. Putting it on a dim bulb tester is another option.

[@johnglover8419]

@@AHFixIt do you have a email?

[@supremo3024]

hi can i replace my 12,000uf 80v to 15,000uf 100v is it ok?

[@AHFixIt]

I don't know your application, but in general, that should be ok.

[@supremo3024]

@@AHFixIt i talking about capacitor of my power amplifier ...

[@greenlanternseven]

Highly recommend using Cardas silver audiophile solder. ..even re flowing the board can improve sound dramatically as silver s sonic conductivity is superior especially concerning the midst and high frequencies

[@5353iceman]

Use braided wire to desolder, amazon and electronic stores carry this product.

[@a2phil]

Anyone know how to replace 3 terminal filter caps, when all you can find are the 2 terminal caps,i.e, how to wire in the "extra" capacitor? Working on a Tempo AC 1 power supply that I was told worked!! Failing that, can anyone send me a link to a repair video on the subject, search engines and I DO NOT get along!!!

[@robertholsopple9451]

What happens when these start to fail or degrade? I need to do this to my kenwood km209 amps I believe. I have 2 of them. I'm not sure what to order, if anyone is familiar with those amps and could send me a link to the caps, I'd appreciate it.

[@therealrobertbecker]

Are those AR 3 speakers :-)

[@miras170884]

KLH 17

[@noahscott7272]

Accidently ordered 22,000uf capacitors to replace my 2,200uf capacitors….is it ok?

[@noahscott7272]

Haha, I don’t do Amps, I do small electronics and micro-soldering. This is a vintage Yamaha amp with dual 10s

[@AHFixIt]

That's too much of an increase. You'll pull too much current through the transformer and bridge when you turn it on

[@twochaudiomg2578]

Q. why can't you upgrade a replacement part like the brand you used. 10 nicer built brands on the market. Also many change the binding post to 5 way but seem to use low level post. another is silver, lead mixed solder also shielding applied in certain areas inside the Receiver. What about vibration damping inside? All very good results. But no one dose it i only watched you & another guy thanks

[@alexron2023]

Question for anyone: if you get pops and scratch noises from the speakers without moving the volume control, would it be a sign that these capacitors are bad?

[@AHFixIt]

More likely a bad transistor. You'd get consistent AC hum if a filter cap were bad.

[@alexron2023]

@@AHFixIt thanks

[@ericschulze5641]

Did you find the cause ? I'm having a similar issue and was assuming it was the caps

[@alexron2023]

@@ericschulze5641 actually it was due to bad transistors in the amp section

[@ericschulze5641]

@@alexron2023 k thanks

[@ronb6182]

Higher is always better rule is misleading. Its best to keep the values close to the original especially in sound amplifiers. Putting too much capacitance will change the frequency response. This is especially when recapping a tube amplifier. Even the power supply can affect the tone quality. 73

[@wtfvids3472]

ok but if i put in one with the same capacitance but higher volt(only found a 63 volt, the original was 56) it is ok? the new one is rated for a higher temp and it says low esr.