Are there differences in these caps?

[hesamadman]

I've been building some of these 5watt amps. The first one I used some larger (physical size)caps in the power supply. I bought some mini radial caps (same Value and voltage) to use in the future. These things are about $9 cheaper than the first ones. Are there any differences in the sound or reliability?

[shooter]

there have been a few threads on small caps n it seems they work the same, think Sluckey did some autopsies and found the big ones inside are smallish.  I've used a few without issue, but I'm a visual artist trying to get my ears tuned for musical art.

[HotBluePlates]

I've been building some of these 5watt amps. The first one I used some larger (physical size)caps in the power supply. I bought some mini radial caps (same Value and voltage) to use in the future. These things are about $9 cheaper than the first ones.

Are the radials Illinois, Rubycon, Nichicon or the like? If so, they're probably every bit as good as the big electrolytic caps.

[hesamadman]

I've been building some of these 5watt amps. The first one I used some larger (physical size)caps in the power supply. I bought some mini radial caps (same Value and voltage) to use in the future. These things are about $9 cheaper than the first ones.

Are the radials Illinois, Rubycon, Nichicon or the like? If so, they're probably every bit as good as the big electrolytic caps.

They will be now that you said so. Thanks HBP

[HotBluePlates]

Those aren't the only brands. Most modern radials are better in every way compared to old-style large axial caps. A good data sheet will tell the tale.

If you're worried for how well they'll hold up, spring for the 105 C rated caps (though you should never come close to that temperature inside your chassis). There are also details buried in the data sheets about ripple current ratings, which are important in a filter cap, especially the one right after the rectifier.

[PRR]

> spring for the 105 C rated caps (though you should never come close to that temperature inside your chassis).

You should never be boiling spit on your chassis, true.

But if you did work them at full voltage and right at 105 deg C all day and all night, the expected life is about a month. Maybe a year or so of gigging a few hours a night.

If you expect to run the amp many years, and don't want to go back in for expired caps, the 105 rating is well worth having.

Flip-side... experimental amps that will be re-re-built frequently and used rarely can use the low-temp caps. 

[G._Hoffman]

Just don't buy the super cheap made in China caps.  The normal priced made in China should be fine, just avoid anything that seems improbably cheap. 


Gabriel

[HotBluePlates]

What about those ones I saw at 15 for a dollar? You mean I shouldn't get them? Come to think of it they might have been cigarette butts rolled up in a blue wrapper with a couple leads sticking out... 

[Willabe]

Come to think of it they might have been cigarette butts rolled up in a blue wrapper with a couple leads sticking out... 

Now those are 'smoking hot' caps!!!!!!!

 
                      Brad