octal cap can

[maxkracht]

Why is this the first time i'm seeing this and why aren't there more of these? (aside from unclamping and zapping yourself) This amp does have the cap can right next to the power tubes and rectifier so maybe they were expecting it to be replaced relatively often..

[B Ingram]

... why aren't there more of these? (aside from unclamping and zapping yourself) ...

The first time you touch 450v DC, you will know "unclamping and zapping yourself" is the only reason needed to never have these.

Yes, I know from personal experience (touching 450v DC, not fumbling a removable high-voltage filter cap).

[maxkracht]

This is set up like a normal capcan with a retaining clamp. So, aside from wires holding those in, it doesn't seem much more dangerous. No obvious external clues either, so the end user probably wouldn't mess with it. I didn't realize it was socketed until opening the amp. Could also install resistors inside to discharge and modernize the idea a bit. I dig it.

[Stevem]

If your building a amp or modifying a amp that uses this type of multisection filter can this a not the way to go if you want the lowest 120 hz noise floor.

The only thing good about it is it's handy and takes up the least space.
The power supply should be like this.

The PTs B+ center tap, the first power supply filter node ( power tube plate) and the power tube screen node should all be grounded near the PT.

All the other power supply filters should pick up there ground with the preamp tubes cathode resistor and bypass cap if there is one pick up there ground.

[maxkracht]

Totally with you Steve, I just think the ease of repairability on this thing is cool. Plus, octal socket means plenty of pins for separate grounds if needed.

[B Ingram]

This is set up like a normal capcan with a retaining clamp. So, aside from wires holding those in, it doesn't seem much more dangerous. No obvious external clues either, so the end user probably wouldn't mess with it. I didn't realize it was socketed until opening the amp. Could also install resistors inside to discharge and modernize the idea a bit. I dig it.

Notice how an IEC cable is set up? The end of the cable that plugs into the outlet has male-prongs; the other end has a female-receptacle. Why aren't there prongs on this side also? Simply because now there's a shock risk if the cable is plugged into an outlet.

If the piece of gear has bleeder resistors (and the user allows time for them to do their job) AND if the gear is powered off first, then maybe the cap isn't dangerous.

That's a lot of "IFs" for something that can lead to a very unpleasant experience.

My reaction is a lot like how responsible firearm users control where their gun is pointed even when they know it's unloaded. The consequence is just not acceptable for the 1-in-100 or 1-in-1000 or 1-in-1,000,000 case where the gun is loaded (or the cap is still charged)

[maxkracht]

Notice how an IEC cable is set up? The end of the cable that plugs into the outlet has male-prongs; the other end has a female-receptacle. Why aren't there prongs on this side also? Simply because now there's a shock risk if the cable is plugged into an outlet.

If the piece of gear has bleeder resistors (and the user allows time for them to do their job) AND if the gear is powered off first, then maybe the cap isn't dangerous.

That's a lot of "IFs" for something that can lead to a very unpleasant experience.

My reaction is a lot like how responsible firearm users control where their gun is pointed even when they know it's unloaded. The consequence is just not acceptable for the 1-in-100 or 1-in-1000 or 1-in-1,000,000 case where the gun is loaded (or the cap is still charged)

I would be 100% in agreement with you if it were just a socket and no retaining clamp. With a clamp holding the socket in place, the difference in danger is only marginally higher than a cap can in, say, a marshall preamp where there are long leads allowing you to pull the cap out of the chassis. Plenty of amp designs allow access to ALL of the electronics if you pull off the back panel... This thing has trim pots instead of knobs for the volume and tone control, so a technician was the only person intended to go near it anyway. Seems silly to argue about considering there don't seem to be many of these in the world.