Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: timmyjoe on February 03, 2022, 07:40:21 pm

Title: Capacitor value advice?
Post by: timmyjoe on February 03, 2022, 07:40:21 pm
I've been checking parts before putting my 5E3 back together again. The plans call for 25uf on the V1, V2, and Cathode bypass. I've got some 22uf that meter to 24.5uf. Are they ok to use in place, or should it wait for 25 in the mail? Was surprised they are 11.3% off.
Title: Re: Capacitor value advice?
Post by: SILVERGUN on February 03, 2022, 07:45:55 pm
Besides the fact that elec. caps have a wide range of acceptable tolerance, you wouldn't be able to hear a difference.
So yes, go ahead and put it in there and don't worry about it.


Capacitor Characteristics and Capacitor Specifications (electronics-tutorials.ws) (https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/capacitor/cap_3.html)
Title: Re: Capacitor value advice?
Post by: glass54 on February 03, 2022, 08:52:09 pm
Alum Electrolytic Capacitors have a fairly broad tolerance value. Tol of +/-20 is "tight-ish"
Years ago -30% to +80% was common. These day -20% to +50% may be more the normal.
See example https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Vishay/515D107M063CC6AE3?qs=sGAEpiMZZMvwFf0viD3Y3XGK4%252BtJYOS56VP%252BW3QQydY%3D (https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Vishay/515D107M063CC6AE3?qs=sGAEpiMZZMvwFf0viD3Y3XGK4%252BtJYOS56VP%252BW3QQydY%3D) Aluminium Electrolytic Capacitors - Radial Leaded 100uF 63volts +/-20%.
And Data sheet on Vishay 515 series from manufacturer: https://au.mouser.com/datasheet/2/427/515d-2888807.pdf (https://au.mouser.com/datasheet/2/427/515d-2888807.pdf)
You'd have to be happy with +11.3%  :laugh:
Regards
Mirek
Title: Re: Capacitor value advice?
Post by: PRR on February 04, 2022, 12:04:57 am
> my 5E3

Before about 1950, e-caps were not sold on tolerance. The maker had a reject limit but didn't boast about it.

Allied catalogs 1956 and 1969 (the women's skirts changed, cap specs and prices didn't much).
https://worldradiohistory.com/Electronics_Catalogs.htm

Note that 40uFd 450V was $1.15 each but $0.96/ea in a can of 3.