what happens if I change the power cap values?

[elkym]

In a champ 5f1 build?

the stock values would be: 16uF 475V, 10uF 450V, 10uF 450V

And correct me if I've got some things backwards... I believe these are the power cap values... another version I've seen said all 3 were 450v and it was 16,8,8uF...

[TweeDLX]

As long as the voltage rating is EQUAL TO, OR HIGHER than the stock values, you're OK. As to the actual capacitance, you probably won't notice the difference between 8uF & 10uF. Either is safe to use. Using a higher value will make the amp slightly less noisy, maybe tighten the bass a bit... A good example is the Fender Tweed Deluxe. The stock filter cap values were 16/16/16. Mission Amps sells their "Tweedy Deluxe" (great amp!) with 20/20/16. Still the same tweed tone.

Mike

[SatelliteAmps]

There is a limit though, when using a tube rectifier. You can't just put in one as high as you want. A Champ has a 5Y3 stock, and those don't like much more than about 32uf. As far as voltages go, in a Champ, 450v is fine for all of them. Going to a 475 or a 500v cap for one of them, won't make a major difference.

[elkym]

Thank you! good to know that 32uF is the max...

[tmaker]

The max applies only to the first filter cap after the tube rectifier. all caps after either a choke or droping resister can be any size as long as the voltage rating is high enough. For a solid state rectifier ther is no limit to filter cap size. The max for differnet tube rectifiers varies 5y3 datasheets state 32uF but I've been using 40uF with no problems. Some can have as high as 60uF.

[SatelliteAmps]

Usually 32uf is the generally recommended top size for a 5Y3. That can be pushed a bit. I think it is supposed to be 60uf for a 5AR4, which can also sometimes be pushed to 100uf. But those are extremes in value. I wouldn't put a 100uf in front of a 5Y3.

And tmaker is correct, it only applies to the filter directly connected to the rectifier.