AC30 component suggestions

[bakerlite]

Hey folks,
I am finally getting to my projects (first winter in 15 years unemployed) have a bit of time now for the next few months. Anywho's I am gathering the last few bits towards all my projects after a couple of weeks cataloging what chassis/tubes/caps/pots/speakers I have already.


I know mostly what I need for everything except the AC30.  I have a weber chassis/cab/speakers and mercury OT and Choke.


I really don't want to use silver micas for the Pf caps as in the past when i used them in ac30's they seemed not to suit the original sound of the amp - problem is I can think of anything else to use apart from dominoes which are next to impossible to locate over here. any alternatives???


Still undecided on the 24 mustard?? caps   , I absolutely love the sound of old non top boosted jmi's and would like something that will help achieve the same! I have never really bothered with fancy caps but i would definitely consider it for this amp.


Would anyone advise against carbon comps? i was thinking of maybe running the two main tag boards with comps and metal for the power section underneath?

[sluckey]

I really don't want to use silver micas for the Pf caps

Then use ceramics.

[HotBluePlates]

I really don't want to use silver micas for the Pf caps

Then use ceramics.

Or polystyrene caps ($$$). Downside is you better have good soldering technique; get on, get off.

I really don't want to use silver micas for the Pf caps ... problem is I can think of anything else to use apart from dominoes ...

The "dominoes" were almost always mica caps, albeit with a different construction and outward appearance.

Still undecided on the ... mustard ... caps, I absolutely love the sound of old non top boosted jmi's and would like something that will help achieve the same! ...

I don't know for sure, but "mustard caps" probably have a polyester dielectric given their size/capacitance ratio. If it were me, I'd pick a polyester film & foil cap. Otherwise, pick whatever makes you feel good.

The speakers and output transformer will probably impact the sound more than the coupling caps.

Would anyone advise against carbon comps?

The original amps used carbon comp resistors, though the particular manufacturer used a white background color instead of brown. If you want to use them, go ahead.

My preference would be for metal film, but for reduced noise and not on the basis of tone. I'd probably use wirewound for lower-resistance, higher-wattage parts for the same reason; wirewound resistors have the least self-noise, followed by metal film.

[stevehoover]

+1 on polystyrene's over silver Mica's.  The tiny leads are a drag but they don't sound brittle to me like sm's

[bakerlite]

Thanks for all the input!
I know I know, I've never really gone down the cork sniffing route with sozo's etc but this time I was considering it as it would be an interesting experiment seeing as all the other components could be seen as that sort of thing in this amp.


For sure the biggest tonal difference (and perhaps the only one I have actually heard for myself) are Output transformers and Tube choice. In saying that i have used silva mica's when in a bind on a couple of ac30's and for some reason they didnt sit right to my ears but who knows - I have had no gripe with them so far in other circuits at all.


If i can afford the 6 polystyrenes i will try them out!
like these: http://www.ebay.ie/itm/100pF-630V-1-Precision-Tolerance-Axial-Polystyrene-Film-Capacitors-Qty-12-/301325501528?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item4628664458
I have emailed for a cost of the handful I need.

[HotBluePlates]

That company has a non-Ebay website. You may want to check there for a price on just the parts you need (instead of 12 of a single value). Of course, your direct email will likely accomplish the same.