[Heathkit] SB-201 AMP

[Kim Herron]

Hi Gang,

> > Acquired an SB-201 in great conition but the 572's are really weak and  2
> > of the caps in the bank are blistered!  Is there a relationship between the
>weak tubes and the caps?  Still get 1900 volts from power supply, do the caps
>need replacing?
> >

      I'm gonna try not to sound like I'm flaming anybody, so here goes.
First, what's the manual say the voltage should be? IF you don't have one, 
get one before you fire the thing up.  Second, That amp is at least 20 
years old.  WHY would you fire it up, if you can see that the caps are 
obviously defective??  The caps used here can be had from Mouser for under 
$5.00 a piece and that transformer is at least $150. from Peter Dahl and he 
has the only available replacement.   We've been here a lot so I'll be 
brief.  If you ANYTHING that is older than 10 years old, IT NEEDS  NEW 
ELECTROLYTICS. PERIOD!!!  If you want to gamble creating a several hundred 
dollar repair by trying to save a few bucks, be my guest.  But if you want 
to use this old stuff (as I do), do the wise thing and replace any 
electrolytic, or wax impregnated cap, even if it's sealed in plastic (that 
means green, brown, black, yellow, etc) with NEW caps.  The money, time, 
frustration and depression will be your own.


Thanks!!

Kim Herron  W8ZV
1-616-677-3706