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Capacitor type question - help please

Discussion in 'Amps/Cabs Tech Corner: Amplifier, Cab & Speakers' started by scottl, May 19, 2004.

  1. May 19, 2004 #1
    scottl

    scottl Member

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    Cherry Hill, NJ
    Hi,

    I am experimenting with capacitor types in the preamp of one of my amps.

    What difference in tone would one expect from switching between Orange Drop 715P (what is standard equipment), Orange Drop 716P (supposedly less "HiFi") , Xicon Polyprops, Xixon Metal Film, and Solen Fast.

    I want the least bright and Hifi caps possible.

    I am intrigued that the cap tyoe can make a big difference, especially when there are about 5 of them in a row.

    Thanks for helping.

    Scott
     
    scottl, May 19, 2004
    scottl, May 19, 2004
    #1
  2. May 23, 2004 #2
    V846

    V846 Member

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    Enfield, CT
    Scott,

    Best thing is to try different caps and find what you like in your amp.
    However if your looking for "less brite" perhaps a mylar film/foil cap would work for you, also Angela tin caps sound pretty good or the Sozo caps which are mylar.

    David
     
    V846, May 23, 2004
    V846, May 23, 2004
    #2
  3. May 24, 2004 #3
    Jeff Flowerday

    Jeff Flowerday Member

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    I would give Mallory 150s a try, I definately like them better than the 715P. Most describe them as more musical sounding. Some describe them as warmer than the 715P though I don't really notice it. I do find them more focused in the bottom end. I find the 715Ps can get a little woofy.

    If they work out, let me know, I might do the swap as well. :D
     
    Jeff Flowerday, May 24, 2004
    Jeff Flowerday, May 24, 2004
    #3
  4. May 24, 2004 #4
    V846

    V846 Member

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    Yeah the 150's sound good and less boomy or woofy that 715's.
    The Russian PIO caps sound good to but it depends on what amp your putting them in, I really like the Sozo's in a Marshall circuit as they sound clearer with more detail than the 150's.

    David
     
    V846, May 24, 2004
    V846, May 24, 2004
    #4
  5. May 25, 2004 #5
    scottl

    scottl Member

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    Tomorrow is the big day! I have several brands of caps coming! Big experimentation in the future :)
     
    scottl, May 25, 2004
    scottl, May 25, 2004
    #5
  6. May 25, 2004 #6
    Jeff Flowerday

    Jeff Flowerday Member

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    Note: Caps are somewhat like speakers they break in, so they can be harsh in the beginning. The change isn't as dramatic but still noticeable.
     
    Jeff Flowerday, May 25, 2004
    Jeff Flowerday, May 25, 2004
    #6
  7. May 28, 2004 #7
    scottl

    scottl Member

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    Ok... Xicon caps in! The yellow square ones (MEB)

    WOW WOW WOW

    Great stuff. Not worth bothering Andy with an upgrade, but if you are handy with the iron, I recommend the change!!! Smooth and creamy tones! 10 minutes to change and so easy :)

    Scott
     
    scottl, May 28, 2004
    scottl, May 28, 2004
    #7
  8. May 28, 2004 #8
    sampleinajar

    sampleinajar Member

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    Scott-

    You're on a slippery slope. Don't you know that capacitors are "gateway" mods? Pretty soon it will be resistors, and before you know it you'll be building amps. You'll say, "oh I'm just building the 5e3 clone - I can stop anytime". Next thing you know you're building *umble clones........

    Have fun!

    Steve
     
    sampleinajar, May 28, 2004
    sampleinajar, May 28, 2004
    #8
  9. May 30, 2004 #9
    Neal K

    Neal K Member

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    Yes indeed this can become a very slippery slope. I've seen battles rise over which way to place the cap (and I don't mean electrolytics either. It seems some believe there is a "front" and a "back" to these caps and that the "front" should always face ground because it sounds better..........or is it the "back" that's supposed to face the ground!!!!! It can all start getting real strange, real fast. OK, I admit it---I've done it myself.

    Neal K
     
    Neal K, May 30, 2004
    Neal K, May 30, 2004
    #9

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