Electrolytic capacitor life expectancy

[vetmed]

I'm wondering because some of my Bottlehead gear in particular is starting to get a little long in the tooth, Seduction is so old that when new had a printed assembly manual but still seems to work   What would be signs that replacement is required? TIA

Robert Lees

 

[Doc B]

Low B+ voltage, increased hum, bulging caps, blown fuse.

 

[ToolGuyFred]

I have been doing the audio kit thing now for nearly 40 years and have never had a decent (i.e. recognizable brand) electrolytic capacitor fail in my audio gear.  Computer motherboards and cell phones - don't get me started.

My old S/S preamp (still in use for it's phono stage and shortly to be replaced by Reduction) is about 30 years old and still going strong. I have heard the opinion aired that electrolytics in regular use live much longer than those which have infrequent use - particularly if there are long periods (years) between power-ups. YMMV.