Specific capacitors for BFVR build?

[Speakz]

I was wondering if there were specific recommendations as to brands and types of capacitors on the single channel AB763?  I was going to build the version following the parts list given in the Hoffman tube amp library. 

I saw that the two cap types Mallory at 630v vs Sprague at 600v.  Are these interchangeable or should I be choosing one over another?
Any thoughts about this board would be helpful before ordering board and small parts. Thanks

[TIMBO]

Either caps will do, some will say that one may sound better that the other but it usually its the price that sways me, they all sound good. You won't have any problems with Doug's board, I have not used then so I don't know if a particular cap will fit his board better, as some of the caps are large. 

[Speakz]

Thanks Timbo for sharing.  I'll probably get the mix specified on the parts list.  In my C30 I changed the tone caps to sprague and the treble to a silver mica with good results.    What amps have you built Timbo?

[sluckey]

I think Hoffman's AB763 boards are laid out for the Xicon coupling caps. They fit very well and sound good for a blackface amp.

[HotBluePlates]

The Sprague 715's are much bigger than the Mallory 150 or Xicon caps. Either of the latter will fit well on the Hoffman board.

If you choose to use Spragues, first install all components on the board except caps. The large caps will cover up the resistors below and make them difficult to reach with your soldering iron.

[stratele52]

Use Sprague Atom or F&T caps . Do not use cheap caps like IC ( Illinois) or other east import. You have a very good amp ,put only very good parts.

[alerich]

Sprague Atoms and F&T are fine capacitors but I have also had excellent results with both Illinois and MIEC brand capacitors. I used MIEC caps extensively in my JCM 800 clone and and extremely pleased with the results. They are less expensive and smaller for the same value and voltage rating. Great for tight spaces. Cut open a Sprague Atom and you will find a small cap inside a bigger tube. Made that way strictly for vintage restoration purposes. And you pay a premium for that service.

[Ed_Chambley]

I have quite a few AB763 and for filter caps I usually use F&T in axial.  I really prefer cap cans.  I have spargue in some as well as mentioned you pay a premium, but I have never and a problem with one and never replaced one either.

I prefer mallory's over Orange Drops in this application, but both are nice.  So are the xicon.  If you want to spend a little, use SoZo Blues.  I have, but I got a box full of them for free.  Long story.  They are nice as well.

You can get any of them to fit one of Doug's boards, but the xicon or mallerys are the easiest.  HBP is correct as it can get a little tight.

[Speakz]

Ultimately I have a mix it would appear based on Doug's parts list.  I went by it exactly after doing some research.  Mallory, sprague, xicon.. silver mica, where specified.  Used carbon comp resistors as I read that was what was in the original fenders.  Hopefully I get a nice tone this way.

What do you guys recommend for a chassis?  Should I get the Princeton chassis from Mojotone?  Will this fit the single channel BFVR? I'm open to other configurations.  I didn't see a chassis in Doug's list to fit this. 

Thanks hotblues for the tip about the sprague caps.  When it all arrives i will mock everything up before soldering and put them in order.

I read somewhere that the caps should be lifted off the board slightly?  Is this true?

[Speakz]

I took a look at the ZoSo.  The treble and bass tone capactiors, tone stack...?(Correct terminology?).  Are these worth switching out to Zoso vs the sprague or malory that Doug sells?  I'm researching all these things as you guys share ideas.  I'm sure I may have to open it up again once I start playing it and get to know it.

[Ed_Chambley]

I took a look at the ZoSo.  The treble and bass tone capactiors, tone stack...?(Correct terminology?).  Are these worth switching out to Zoso vs the sprague or malory that Doug sells?  I'm researching all these things as you guys share ideas.  I'm sure I may have to open it up again once I start playing it and get to know it.

This capacitor discussion happens all the time.  The idea is the "original" tone is hiding in some special cap.  Not to say they will not make a difference.  The blue SoZo cap is supposed to be like the old blackface blue caps.  Caps will change tone by type of construction and materials used.

A lot of people use Orange Drops, and they sound good.  If I were going to build a AB763 and needed to buy all the parts, I would use F&T filter caps and Mallory tone caps and sprague or similar electrolytes for bypass and bias.  Silver mica for all pf values.

When you get it running, you will be thrilled and saved a few bucks.  Then when the "thrill is gone" you can begin swapping caps and doing mods to chase the new perfect tone in your head.