Vintage build or Hi-fi

[crashtm1]

Im having a hard time on how to write this post..
Im sure most of you will get it... This would pertain to any vintage amp, but specifically i'm building 5E8a..



If you were building this, would you use the vintage components? For example... coupling caps... Would you use the more popular capacitors(F&T, Sprauge,etc) ,, or go with more hi-fi type components like Auricaps, Jensen, Audyn etc??? Same question for all components.
My thinking is, that back in the day there was some consideration to cost when building these for the masses. If cost wasn't an issue, within reason, what would the changes be.
I know that some components may not be suitable for this application..

If Leo Fender had the previously mentioned hi-fi components that are available today, would he have used them?


 

[shooter]

start here;
http://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=19534.0

would he have used them

I don't see him as a cork sniffer, more a shot & beer guy?

[jjasilli]

You don't say what the vintage components are.  They might be Sprague.  Also, to me, ancient ceramic caps are gems, and I would use them.  IMHO one of the benefits of rebuilding a vintage amp is that components are already included.  If a component is truly junk I would replace it.  I would replace the entire PS circuit all the way to plate resistors.  Ancient signal caps should be tested for DC leakage. 


If an ancient component needs replacement, what to replace it with?  To me that would depend on the overall situation. 


Some people may prefer a gut renovation, preserving only the iron and the chassis.  That's a valid choice.  But my preference is to take the opportunity to use vintage parts, if possible.

[crashtm1]

Good read Shooter... Thanks!


jjasilli..
 
  this is a ground up build not a re-build.
More of a comparison of the caps i mentioned and old style carbon resistors compared newer film resistors,, etc...

[sluckey]

If Leo Fender had the previously mentioned hi-fi components that are available today, would he have used them?

Probably not. More likely IC electrolytics, Xicon coupling caps, and metal film and/or metal oxide resistors. That's what I'd use.

[Ed_Chambley]

Victoria Amps IMO does the best job building tweed circuits.  Mark uses Sprague Electrolytics and 715 Orange Drop coupling caps.  I am not sure I would use Sprague over F&T, but Victoria Amps does.  Personally, the only time I use old caps is in a collector amp, but even then the Astron caps are never within spec.  I am liking for 2 now that are close.


If I were building an amp for me to play, which I do, I use Metal Film resistors, Solen caps because they are black and look cool sitting atop Epoxy Beige board.  Plus they are Axial.  Anytime I am building a lower filtered amp I have been using poly caps and no electrolytic simply because they are almost as cheap and will last longer then me.  I use these:


https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/capacitors?filters=Brand%3DMKP%20Audiophiler


These come in 20uf and smaller.

[DummyLoad]

for a new build I'd use modern low noise components. for a vintage restoration, I'd try to use period correct components.


--pete