Favorite sounding caps and resistors

[pfrischmann]

Hello,
I'm going to do the Tim Cowles mod to my Vibro-King. This involves replacing a couple of coupling and tone caps as well as a couple of resistors (most seem to be 1/2 watt)

I've heard many people say they prefer Mallory 150's for the tone stuff and Atoms for the coupling caps I've never heard anyone comment on resistors, any preferences?

Thanks,
Paul

[DanR]

Do you mean Mallory 150's? I've read that some people prefer those to Sprague/Vishay Orange Drops for coupling, although some people prefer the latter. And I think the Atoms (again Sprague/Vishay) are electrolytics which are used for PS filtering and cathode bypass. As far as tone caps go, some people prefer silver mica over ceramic discs.

I really have no opinion myself because I have no experience in comparing them. I'm no expert. I think I know just enough to be dangerous

DanR

[pfrischmann]

Hi Dan, I did mean Mallory. That's what I get for typing before my morning cofee!

Anybody else?

[SeanF]

I'm damn near tone-deaf when it comes to caps and resistors.

As I recall, the only point in the circuit where it really matters to use carbon comp resistors is on the plate load resistors; other than that, I stick to metal film, as they're the quietest. Apparently the carbon comps for plate loads add some personality to the sound.

As far as caps, I use Orange Drops and Mallories pretty much interchangeably; they both sound good.

Many different kinds of orange drops....and all will sound at least a little different. The orange drops can be mylar (polyester), polypropylene, or metalized versions of either one. Some will be multi-sectioned as well....but those are usually the higher-voltage ones, and I've never tried using them. The mallory 150s are metalized and are probably non-inductively wound...two things that would make them different from a vintage cap (like the old Astrons or such). If you want you're amp to sound vintage, stick with vintage caps and resistors (carbon comp)...there is a difference in sound. Use some NOS Cornell Dublier "Black Cats". For modern amps, all bets are off. A cap is just a tone tool....use it however you think it fits best. FWIW, Dumble used a lot of different makes of caps and resistors in his amps.....why do you think he did this if it doesn't make a difference?

[dbeeman]

FWIW, Dumble used a lot of different makes of caps and resistors in his amps.....why do you think he did this if it doesn't make a difference?

Could be he picked particular types and brands or

Maybe it was whatever he had around at the time?

I have heard all Dumbles sound different. Maybe random parts is just part of the "Mojo"