Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: Locrian99 on November 22, 2025, 12:31:43 am

Title: Replacing 525v Caps with 500v Caps Bassman 100
Post by: Locrian99 on November 22, 2025, 12:31:43 am
Hey all,

I'm going to be recapping a friend of mines bassman 100.   The 22u power filter caps are all rated at 525v in the original schem.   The only options I have been able to find from Amplified parts and tube depot are 600v Spragues at 30$ each to hit or exceed that voltage.   Schem shows they will be seeing <450v so I was thinking I'd just use the 500v and should be good.   Any reason this isn't a good idea.

https://el34world.com/charts/Schematics/files/Fender/Fender_bassman_100.pdf

Thanks
Title: Re: Replacing 525v Caps with 500v Caps Bassman 100
Post by: tubeswell on November 22, 2025, 01:31:59 am
All depends on the B+ voltage when the standby switch is off. If its only 470V, then 500V caps will be fine
Title: Re: Replacing 525v Caps with 500v Caps Bassman 100
Post by: pdf64 on November 22, 2025, 03:52:17 am
550V 22uF F&Ts scoll down to KONEL22 http://askjanfirst.com/eindex.htm

Dunno why US vendors don't get these in  :dontknow:
Title: Re: Replacing 525v Caps with 500v Caps Bassman 100
Post by: acheld on November 22, 2025, 09:40:50 am
I've switched over to film caps when possible.  Yup they are big, and may not fit the standard cap can, but easily available in 600V versions (or lower, whatever is needed).   I haven't had one fail yet (past ten years).  My new builds get these for sure.   It does take a minute to get your mind wrapped around these caps though!

For Hi-Fi, still have to use the electrolytics due to the size needed for smoothing.
Title: Re: Replacing 525v Caps with 500v Caps Bassman 100
Post by: Locrian99 on November 25, 2025, 07:32:10 pm
22u film cap sounds huge
Title: Re: Replacing 525v Caps with 500v Caps Bassman 100
Post by: AlNewman on November 25, 2025, 08:17:12 pm
Sometimes you get more options with different search settings, capacitance, voltage, etc.
What was the standard 50 yrs ago may not be the standard today.

Radial caps might be an option with some tinkering.

Another option might be to use 2 caps in series, as newer caps usually take up less room.  You'd have to wire them in a package with some balance resistors.

Or, you can buy once and cry once, and not have to worry again for 50 years.