Best components

[Cobbler]

If you were to use only the best of the best components for a build (money is no object) what parts would you use?

Transformers?
Tube sockets?
Filter caps?
Other caps?
Resistors?
Pots?
Jacks?
Wire?

I’ve built quite a few amps; Princeton Reverb and a 5E3 from parts from Doug, a Spitfire and a Champ from mostly organ donor components, a Carmen Ghia and an 18w Marshall from parts scrounged from various vendors plus a couple of my own “cobbled” circuits. Now I want to build one with nothing but the best parts. What would you use?

[kagliostro]

Transformers = Mercury Magnetics (don't know if they are the best, for sure they are expensive)

Tube sockets = Belton (of course there are also Teflon Sockets)

Filter caps = Solen MKP Polipropilene

Other caps = Orange Drop 715p

Resistors = Dale CMF60 MIL-SPEC 1/2W Resistors, 1% - other power, Metal Film

Pots = CTS

Jacks = Switchcraft or Amphenol

Wire = shielded RG316 - other ...

This are only suggestions, there are other good products to be used

Franco

[shooter]

like asking boxers or briefs

quality verses shoddy might be better and sadly quality is hard to find

I use Edcor iron, UL tap 40% for OT, Hammond also, both quality
same for PT
have yet to have a Nichicon cap or F&T fail, I use some "audio caps" but believe it's wasting money on an OD/distortion amp, pure clean, maybe

mil spec like K mentioned used to be "a standard" expect it still is
37/63 rosin core solder
time, probably the best predictor of quality build even when components are unknown

[PRR]

Why would you want "best"?

Many much-loved guitar amps were built of the 2nd-cheapest parts they could find. (Only way to stay in business.)

And like choosing a lover, "best" is different for everybody.

[glass54]

...and don't forget Doug's Metal Oxide 3Watt, 5% tolerance Resistors for Screen grids (esp Fender circuits), Plate load and Power Supply resistors.
I also prefer to use 2W Metal oxide resistors for all my Preamp Plate loads and PI (they are compact enough) and help with reliability.
Kind regards
Mirek

[Cobbler]

Why would you want "best"?

Many much-loved guitar amps were built of the 2nd-cheapest parts they could find. (Only way to stay in business.)

And like choosing a lover, "best" is different for everybody.

I guess I’m trying to make a “cork sniffer” approved model 

I will readily admit that I cannot hear the difference between most parts but certain components carry with them a reputation of possessing MOJO... I suppose that is what I’m looking for... a gut shot that the cork sniffers would approve of.

[shooter]

When I did janitorial work, advice from the pro's; "If it smells good, it's already clean" 

I use this image, but there are many builders here with similar, the parts appear normal-use what should get the mojo credit, builds that look and sound great.  If they require caviar parts, I'd get premium money up front 

[sluckey]

If you were to use only the best of the best components for a build (money is no object) what parts would you use?

You should visit the amp garage with this question.

[pompeiisneaks]

If you were to use only the best of the best components for a build (money is no object) what parts would you use?

You should visit the amp garage with this question.

And you'll get likely 50 answers all different :D

~Phil

[kagliostro]

Mojo ....

if you are looking for Mojo the construction way may be your path

Franco

[Leevi]

Mojo ....if you are looking for Mojo the construction way may be your path

At least this can be called "point to point" amp;)


/Leevi

[Willabe]

You should visit the amp garage with this question.

And you'll get likely 50 answers all different :D

   

[jjasilli]

Best also depends on type of amp.  E.g., a fender build might call for different premium trannies and caps than a Marshall build.

[1blueheron]

For starters, you must not refer to anything as "tube" or "tubes".  From here forward use the term "valves".  Then add to that "custom", "vintage", "proprietary" and "Limited"  with a generous helping of rare metals.  For instance, try "Audio Note 9 pin gold plated ceramic valve bases" at the bargain price of 16.00 ea.  That has got to make it better right?  Or maybe ConneX Superior Beryllium ceramic gold plated valve bases...  you get the idea.   Shielded, epoxy potted transformers?  Kimber silver plated oxygen free copper hookup wire...?  How about hand selected precision wire wound resistors...

Ladder stepped potentiometers....?

Read some marketing literature...

Most of the gray hairs that aren't selling a product will say seldom is the sum $ of the parts = to the quality of the sound...?

[jjasilli]

Ouch! I submit that cobbler posts a fair question.  Doug sells premium signal caps, e.g.   

[John]

Kimber silver plated oxygen free copper hookup wire...

I built a vacuum pump to suck all the oxygen out of the wire.

[1blueheron]

Kimber silver plated oxygen free copper hookup wire...

I built a vacuum pump to suck all the oxygen out of the wire.

Be careful with that oxygen free copper and vacuum pump.   It has been known to suck all the oxygen away from the brain! 

I agree the question is legit, however, from my days spent on the Hi-Fi side, I can say with some confidence there is a point of diminishing return with buying the "best".  Some of it defies science and defiles the wallet.