Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum
Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: SolidStateCircuitReject on December 13, 2017, 01:53:08 am
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What is the general consensus on IC caps? In my very quick try out of their axial polypropylene signal caps I found them to be perfectly fine for high gain amp use - bright, clear and not harsh - but this was a very quick tryout. I have also tried Sozo (originals), Mallory, and Xicon polypropylenes - the Xicons were what ultimately stayed (again a high gain circuit) but I was curious what people think about them in terms of their signal and for power filtering use...
I usually hear people slag them, but I saw no issue with them, though I can imagine if they were used in a classic/vintage design that they would not make the cut for sure.
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I've always built with the cheapest modern film caps on Mouser. I've burned myself by getting ones that are physically hard to install (also done this to myself with "snap-in" electrolytic filter caps-- made them work but regretted the purchase). But I've always been happy with the sound.
Obviously you may hear other opinions, and I haven't experimented to know if something else is better.
But I can confidently say off-brand capacitors won't make your amp sound like garbage... the effect they have on the sound is secondary to circuit design by miles.
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I personally won't use IC brand electrolytic caps - I've come across too many modern Fender amps with these caps suffering from failure/reliability issues. The attachment is case in point - this Tonemaster came in blowing fuses recently, and when I opened the doghouse I found these bulging beasties. Replacing them cured the problem.
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I'm with Tubeswell - I've seen failures of IC filter caps in Fenders. Why use them when F&Ts are readily available?