Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: jaster55 on December 23, 2019, 09:19:26 pm

Title: Filter Capacitor Tolerances
Post by: jaster55 on December 23, 2019, 09:19:26 pm: I recently purchased a premium cap set (not from Hoffman) for a 72 Fender pro reverb. I pay more for Sprague Atom because their size is closer to original, the name, but most of all tighter tolerances... In checking values I found the three 20mfd filter caps read between 27 and 29mfd. That is closer to 30% high. I'm sure I can use them with no issues, Correct me if I'm wrong.
My biggest issue is I paid extra for premium caps. I don't think +30% tolerance is premium.

Any information would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Filter Capacitor Tolerances
Post by: sluckey on December 23, 2019, 09:50:37 pm: More farads for the money! :wink: I would not be concerned. That's typical for big electrolytics. F&T even states it on the cap...

(https://hoffmanamps.com/MyStore/catalog/images/Img_8127.jpg)
Title: Re: Filter Capacitor Tolerances
Post by: jaster55 on December 23, 2019, 10:30:46 pm: Thanks Sluckey... I feel better about using them.
Title: Re: Filter Capacitor Tolerances
Post by: sluckey on December 23, 2019, 10:58:57 pm: Check the specs on the TVA1709... :huh:

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Vishay-Sprague/TVA1709?qs=%2Fha2pyFaduheRo4h3zOOgLzggc7O5NDsdlvFLZ4qQmU%3D

Makes the F&Ts look very attractive! Plus the F&Ts will fit under a Fender doghouse much neater.
Title: Re: Filter Capacitor Tolerances
Post by: jaster55 on December 24, 2019, 08:38:48 am: So... Am I being fooled by paying premium prices.
3x more for 20/500 and 2x more for 80/450 filter caps (Sprague vs F&T)

I've been looking at it like, (I would never put aftermarket tuners on my Les Paul)
But yet... I would never pay more to put John Deere oil for my John Deere. :w2:
Title: Re: Filter Capacitor Tolerances
Post by: SILVERGUN on December 24, 2019, 10:07:10 am: The internet has a lot to say about this:
https://www.google.com/search?q=inside+a+sprague+atom+cap&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiwovWE1M7mAhWtxFkKHXC3ADsQ_AUIDCgA&biw=1280&bih=620&dpr=1.25#spf=1577203576384
Title: Re: Filter Capacitor Tolerances
Post by: sluckey on December 24, 2019, 10:11:12 am: The point is don't necessarily relate price to quality, especially with electrolytic caps. Take a look at this TVA1709...