|
We're beginning to see more and more older Counterpoint pieces with aging and failing aluminum electrolytic capacitors. These are a type of electronic component used almost exclusively for energy storage in power supply circuitry.
Though these types of parts may last for two, or sometimes three,
decades, they do eventually fail. Power supplies do not operate well
with bad capacitors, and the results can be high levels of hum,
overheating parts, and in some cases, the capacitor will start leaking
a chemical compound on the circuit board or inside the chassis. It's
never good news.
|
| This SA-7's capacitor is spilling its guts. Other styles of
electrolytics, looking like little beer cans standing on the board, may
leak from the bottom or show signs of approaching failure by bulging
on the top. |
So starting November, 2009, we are offering this Capacitor Refresh
Program on selected models. While your unit is here, we can remove the
old capacitors and put in new ones. In some cases we can match the
exact type as the original, in other cases the original type is no
longer available but we can substitute in parts of equal or better
quality.
The new parts will be warrantied for ten years. It's like turning back the clock.
If we see any sign of failure, or signs that such failure is
imminent in your unit, we will let you know. But given the pattern of
failures that is beginning to emerge, a little preventative maintenance
might be a good idea.
PRICING FOR CAPACITOR REFRESH SERVICE
Notes:
1. If your unit is here for upgrading, some of the capacitors may already
be getting replaced. I will advise modification to the prices below to
account for the remaining capacitors which are candidates for
refreshing.
2. We will be adding more models to the list as we receive
them and inspect them.3. Units sent in for capacitor refresh only, i.e., not here for other
reasons that require breaking out a soldering iron for serious work,
may be subject to the setup fee.
|
Model |
Total Qty Capacitors Involved |
Prices |
| SA-2 |
8 capacitors, all on mobo |
$400 (deduct $120 if mobo has to be lifted for other non-warranty work). |
| SA-3 (old style, with short tube circuit board whic does not go across full width of motherboard) |
5 capacitors on mobo, two on tube board. If unit has been upgraded to ".1" status (rear jacks are on circuit board) there is one capacitor on the rear board. |
$370 (deduct $75 if no rear circuit board present or if rear board is being lifted for some other reason, such as jacks upgrading). |
| SA-3.1 (later model with full-width circuit board) |
7 capacitors on mobo, four on tube board, one on the rear jack board. |
$430 (deduct $75 if no rear circuit board present or if rear board is being lifted for some other reason, such as jacks upgrading). |
| SA-5.1 |
14 capacitors, 6 on mobo, one on rear deck, one on tube board, 6 inside power supply chassis. |
$600 (deduct $75 if mobo has to be lifted for other non-warranty work). |
| SA-7 (small chassis version) |
8 capacitors, all on mobo |
$180 (deduct $50 if mobo has to be lifted for other non-warranty work). |
| SA-7 (large chassis version) |
9 capacitors, all on mobo |
$200 (deduct $50 if mobo has to be lifted for other non-warranty work). |
| SA-12 and SA-100 |
12 on motherboard, 4 main rail caps mounted to chassis
(Note: we have seen no failures to date on the original rail capacitors) |
Mobo only: $330
Mobo + four main rail caps: $450
(deduct $120 if mobo has to be lifted for other non-warranty work).
|
| SA-20/220 and early 6-Tube version of NP220 (uses original SA-amp motherboard) |
13 on motherboard, 4 main rail caps mounted to chassis, 10 each on the two heatsink-mounted side boards.
(Note: we have seen no failures to date on the original rail capacitors) |
Boards only: $200,
Boards + four main rail caps: $730
(deduct $120 if boards have to be lifted for other non-warranty work). |
| SA-1000 |
8 capacitors, all on mobo |
$225 (deduct $50 if mobo has to be lifted for other non-warranty work). |
| SA-3000 |
16 capacitors, all on mobo |
$275 (deduct $25 if mobo has to be lifted for other non-warranty work). |
| SA-5000 |
25 capacitors, 9 on mobo, 2 on rear deck connector board, 5 on front deck control board,9 inside power supply chassis. |
$550 (deduct $75 if mobo has to be lifted for other non-warranty work). |
