How much do capacitors & trannys affect sound?

[slambango]

I'm wondering if all the hype about Sozo caps & MM transformers is just that: hype?

Or, do the type/brand of components used in an amp really make a difference?

I'm looking for a boutique style plexi clone, and I'm wondering if I should spend then extra bucks to get Sozo's instead of Mallory caps, upgraded transformers... ect.

I know there are probably varying opinions on this, and I realize the only way to truly decide is to let the ear be the judge. I'm just wondering what conclusions people have drawn (who have more info to go on than myself)

[jzucker]

trannys alot, caps not as much.

[FrankieSixxxgun]

I'd probably go for the Sozos just because the Mallory caps are the tiniest little plastic things. How much is the upgrade, like $15?

[Seegs]

I've done both to my Fargen..sozos are in my Tweed bassman circuit and have made a bit more articulate and useable...the MM output tranny was a night and day upgrade over the stock hammond tranny...I don't know how it stacks up against any of the other premium op trannys but in my case it was a huge upgrade...

I'd do both as the sozos aren't too expensive and would stick with the MM tranny based on my experience...

Chow,
Seegs

[espinete]

i think small differences..but for me it's a sum total of lots of little things.i didn't notice a big difference neither between a 12ax7 and a 5751 tube..i noticed a gain variation and i like better the 5751 with my guitars because it is a smoother sounding but it depends of what you like and the guitar,cones...the mods that i didn't like or i couldn't perceive were dismissed.in my particular experience i've found much more changes in tone testing speakers and guitars firstable .. but after a few mods i have to say i'm so happy,i've got a huge improvement on my super reverb amp and man i compared it to another bf fender sr and i could hear a big difference,i mean anyone can hear a huge difference.
i'm a lucky but i chose each mod with the utmost care and i've always tried to get a balance between "my tone" and cut through the mix

sometimes little things are the most important

[PRNDL]

It depends on where you're starting from.

Replacing old worn out coupling capacitors that were cheap junk to begin with something new will certainly improve the sound. Replacing good quality new capacitors with slightly more expensive ones may not be noticeable, unless you've got a great ear, or you're looking for a very specific tone.

An amp that needs a "cap job" (replacing old electrolytics that are failing) will sound much better with new ones. Higher prices usually means they last longer ... 15 years instead of 10. Some caps will charge faster, which makes the amp respond a little better when pushed hard.

Transformers can drastically change the tone of the amp, but its much more expensive. The improvement is more dramatic with low-priced amps that have cheap transformers.

As for a new amp ... Mallory vs Orange Drops is a matter of personal taste. Upgrading the transformers, however, may be a very wise choice since they last a very long time.

It's a mix of hype based on better quality materials. Some people want no frills. Others prefer the middle priced upgrades. And some prefer the best money can buy.

[TNO]

There's definitely an audible difference between Mallory 150s and Sozos. The way I'd describe it is the 150s sound slightly "warm" and the Sozos don't have a sonic signature-they're more transparent.

[jay42]

There's definitely an audible difference between Mallory 150s and Sozos. The way I'd describe it is the 150s sound slightly "warm" and the Sozos don't have a sonic signature-they're more transparent.I thought they were supposed to 'smear' differently.