On Feb 28, 10:35*am, tommi wrote:


I've heard tantalum capacitors can get noisy or break down over time.

The device in my photo is used to power a microphone.

Those are 'orange drop' style tantalum capacitors. If it's
used for power supply bypassing, there's no problem.
If, however, it's used for DC blocking the capacitor
could be in series with your microphone signal.

The seal of such capacitors is fragile (i.e. handling or
aging can break 'em open), and a good axial-package
aluminum might be more reliable...

I wouldn't replace it, myself, but it wouldn't be my first
choice for the application.