[crwilli]

Originally Posted by tdelahanty

I had the caps replaced in my 335 under warranty. It was done in a timely fashion and functioned flawlessly after being repaired. I can offer an explanation concearning this defect which may clarify things. I do not consider this a design flaw. In house quality control of every part purchased is far too expensive (to survive in today's market place) even for the US Government (military). Manufacturers establish relationships with reputable companies with proven track records and rely on them for proper quality control. Unfortunately things do go wrong as in the case of capacitors supplied for these amps. While working as a technician for the military and private industry I was acutely aware of the issues and cost!!!! of in house quality control. Even Uncle Sam was forced to rely on suppliers for Q/C.

What I remember reading on the internet, was that there was a specific Phillips plant in China that sent out bad batches of the caps used in the 333-335(?). They were supposed to have been clearly identified and Phillips and ML admitted it.

If you were lucky enough to have a warranty, they were replaced. If you didn't have a warranty, such as happened to my buddy and his 333 purchased used in Germany, you were faced with about a $2,000 charge from ML or the task of doing it yourself and about $800 for new caps from Cornell Dubellier.