I've avoided can caps in the past because I didn't really understand why I should use them.
It seems to me that the main advantage to can caps is that they save space, since two or more caps fit in one package. Also, with the mounting rings, they look pretty cool.
What other reasons would anyone have for use can caps in a scratch amp build?
The old photo flash caps and other electrolytic s used to be costly.
One can for the entire amp, one hole in the chassis and you don't have to
build a doghouse to house the caps.
I haven't used any yet but I haven't been building for a variety of reasons. When my current (large) stock of Nichicons and Xicons (yuk, those probably will be offered in the sale forum for free. ) are gone I'll be moving to cans.
I think UR12 has been there for quite some time and doesn't seem to have any trouble selling amps.
Dan
The Last of the World's Great Human Beings
Seek immediate medical attention if you suddenly go either deaf or blind.
If you put the Federal Government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in five years time there would be a shortage of sand.
skyboltone wrote: When my current (large) stock of Nichicons and Xicons (yuk, those probably will be offered in the sale forum for free. ) are gone I'll be moving to cans.
Yes, but what is your reason for switching to can caps?
I'm not sure that a more compact amp is an important feature, but a pile of axials eats a lot of space. Cans can be underneath the main board. We're lucky JJ and F&T are supporting them.
skyboltone wrote: When my current (large) stock of Nichicons and Xicons (yuk, those probably will be offered in the sale forum for free. ) are gone I'll be moving to cans.
Yes, but what is your reason for switching to can caps?
Ease of assembly I think. Neater underchassis look without tone penalty. The great old Mallorys and Spragues are simply not what they used to be and way overpriced.
The Last of the World's Great Human Beings
Seek immediate medical attention if you suddenly go either deaf or blind.
If you put the Federal Government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in five years time there would be a shortage of sand.
I particularly like the JJ 40/20/20/20 can, since it's a whole amp's worth in one can. Plus, the 500V rating makes it pretty versatile. The price is good--much cheaper than the same number of Spragues.
The JJ cans are the same size as those used in lots of old Marshalls and Ampegs.
rfgordon wrote:I particularly like the JJ 40/20/20/20 can, since it's a whole amp's worth in one can.
Whoa, I hadn't even seen that one. That's like the entire power amp filtering in a single can. I'm totally doing that next time.
I'm not sure about the meaning of previous comments about trouble with grounding because of the common ground lead. Most of the power amps I've looked at have the power cap negative leads connected to each other via wire anyway. What's the difference?
I agree and I have had no problems with grounding of can caps and no huming, buzzing or ghost notes using them. The 40/20/20/20 I have used in several builds the last being my Route 66 and that amps sounds great.
M Fowler wrote:I agree and I have had no problems with grounding of can caps and no huming, buzzing or ghost notes using them. The 40/20/20/20 I have used in several builds the last being my Route 66 and that amps sounds great.
Thanks! I'm glad I'm not totally crazy for not understanding what the problem might be.
The only thing I don't like about cap cans is you cant wire the "individual" caps in series. Other than that they are gold for the reasons already mentioned.
