How to find a blown cap?

[atomicAdam]

Hello all,

I apologies if this isn't the right forum for this question but I didn't see a better one.

This is a bit DYI ad a bit troubleshooting question.

I have a Golden Tube SE-40 amp that blew a cap a couple months ago and I replaced it, and 3 others that appeared to do the same thing it does. So just replaced out of safety.

This morning I believe another cap blew, but this time I can't find it. Last time the cap leaked and it was easy to spot what had happened. This time, I can't find anything wrong. No leakage, no bloated ends of the caps, and none seem to be hot when the amp has been running.

How can I find which one blew? Granted, I'm assuming that is the issue, it was a repeat sound and flash of light like the 1st time. The amp sounds little muddy in the bottom and not so filled out in the mid range and lacking a bit of punch from kicks in pop music.

Any suggestions are very welcome. Last time I just bought new caps and replaced. Good times, would like to do the same again.

-aA

[SY]

What do you have for test equipment? A voltmeter and scope will get you to the problem pretty quickly. You might think about root causes- if there's a design flaw which causes this unreliability, it ought to be fixed.

I'll move this to the Tubes Forum if you don't attract attention here.

[atomicAdam]

Originally Posted by SY

What do you have for test equipment? A voltmeter and scope will get you to the problem pretty quickly. You might think about root causes- if there's a design flaw which causes this unreliability, it ought to be fixed.

I'll move this to the Tubes Forum if you don't attract attention here.

No, unfortunately I have none of those things above. Suppose it is time to get them.

I believe there is a design problem with the amp. They are known for having issues, but I was 'told' those had been fixed by the man I bought it from. It does appear there has been some extra work on the system but it obviously didn't solve all issues.

It would be interesting to try to fix, but I know nothing about electronics.

I suppose for the $300 I spent it isn't worth paying to have fixed. Guess I'll get another amp and start learning about electronics.

Thanks
-aA