McIntosh MX121 Capacitor Replacement Guide

Essential information for maintaining your premium audio/video processor

Model: MX121

Power Supply Capacitors

  • 2200μF 25V - Main filter capacitors High Priority
    Location: Near power input section
    Recommendation: Replace with low-ESR, high-temperature (105°C) capacitors
  • 470μF 35V - Secondary filtering High Priority
    Location: Near voltage regulators
    Recommendation: Panasonic FM or FR series
  • 100μF 50V - Regulation circuit Medium Priority
    Location: Around regulator ICs
  • 47μF 25V - Decoupling capacitors Medium Priority
    Location: Distributed across board

Audio Section Capacitors

  • 10μF 50V - Audio coupling Medium Priority
    Location: Input/output audio stages
    Recommendation: Nichicon Muse or Elna Silmic II for best sound
  • 47μF 16V - Op-amp power supply Medium Priority
    Location: Near audio ICs
  • 1μF 63V - Signal path capacitors Low Priority
    Location: Throughout audio section
    Recommendation: Film capacitors if space allows
  • 100nF 100V - Decoupling Low Priority
    Location: Near each audio IC

Video/HDMI Section Capacitors

  • 22μF 16V - HDMI board power High Priority
    Location: HDMI board
    Recommendation: Low-ESR types for stable video
  • 4.7μF 50V - Video coupling Medium Priority
    Location: Video processing area
  • 10μF 25V - Processor power Medium Priority
    Location: Near main video processor

Digital Section Capacitors

  • 100μF 10V - DSP power High Priority
    Location: Near digital signal processor
    Recommendation: Low-ESR for clean digital power
  • 10μF 16V - Memory backup Medium Priority
    Location: Near configuration memory
  • 0.1μF 50V - High-frequency decoupling Low Priority
    Location: Throughout digital section
    Recommendation: Ceramic capacitors often better here

Recommended Tools

  • Quality soldering station with temperature control
  • Desoldering pump or solder wick
  • ESR meter for capacitor testing
  • Digital multimeter
  • Anti-static wrist strap
  • Flux and quality solder
  • Magnifying lamp or microscope

Replacement Tips

  • Always note capacitor polarity before removal
  • Take photos before desoldering for reference
  • Replace capacitors in the power supply first
  • Use capacitors with equal or higher temperature rating
  • Match capacitance values exactly
  • Voltage rating can be higher but not lower
  • Clean the area after replacement

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