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To Variac or not to Variac ....?

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steinjw:
Hello All - Pretty new member here, and could use some advice.
I am preparing to dig a set of monoblocs out of storage (B&K Sonata M-200s) where they have been for about ten years, in preparation for setting up a second system. At one point in the distant past I recall reading that one should not just plug into mains current in such a situation. However, some years ago when I considered doing this, I called a local shop, and as I recall they said "just plug 'em in".
Didn't have time to get to it then.
I'd rather go safe than sorry - can someone weigh in here and assist me in this?
And, if Variac start is the way to go, can you point me to someone in the area who could provide this service?
Many thanks - and - a pleasure to meet you all electronically!
Jim S.

bmwr75:
Powering them up on a dim bulb tester first would tell you if anything is shorted in the amp.  It is pretty much a pass fail test.

No older than these amps are, I'd just plug them in an hope for the best if I didn't have access to a dim bulb tester.

bmwr75:
You have read correctly that bringing up a vintage amp slowly on a variac helps reform the capacitors.  I have a variac and use it for this purpose.

Mongojustpawn:
I would at least use a dim bulb tester, easy, cheap diy project, lots of info online.

steinjw:
Thanks All - Ok - I have heard of dim bulb tester - I'll refresh by looking online - but I never thought that it could replace variac power-up. My lack of knowledge, sorry. Diggin' a little deeper on this end, then. Later ... JS

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