Parts is Parts

[DerStever]

Ive been examining the BOM and layout for the Rocket in the files section. My question is - is it necessary to use the parts in the BOM exactly from the manufacturers listed? I'm trying to get it close to original but even Ken would have to reinvent things a bit with todays parts vs what was around even 10 years ago.

I plan to use spragues for caps but they don't make a 22uf so can I sub a 25uf cap? I am planning to use the solid core PVC wire.

Any and all advice is much appreciated. Thanks.

[jaysg]

I plan to use spragues for caps but they don't make a 22uf so can I sub a 25uf cap?

Specifically, do not use low voltage Sprague Atoms. They've failed on a number of us.

[selloutrr]

Really? i've never had a problem with them. which supplier do you use?

[selloutrr]

25uf is perfectly fine to sub for the 22uf

[DerStever]

I plan to use spragues for caps but they don't make a 22uf so can I sub a 25uf cap?

Specifically, do not use low voltage Sprague Atoms. They've failed on a number of us.

Interesting - been using them for years without issue. But you could get a bad run of anything.

I guess my biggest concern was paying 40.00 for pots vs using CTS or Alpha. Sourcing this stuff for quality is one thing but we all know shipping has gone up and if you source from more than a few vendors your overall cost is going to be high for the amp. I am not a business so its full price on everything. But if it really makes a big difference in the amp then its worth doing it that way.

[Richie]

I plan to use spragues for caps but they don't make a 22uf so can I sub a 25uf cap?
Specifically, do not use low voltage Sprague Atoms. They've failed on a number of us.

I have bags full of sprague 22uf,but they are 35v and orange color.
Just a different series. nothing wrong with these.

But the black ones,and blue ones. so many that were bad,brand new,i quit using those,and tried to pass it on to others about them. I have seen some real..real..bad damage those caps have caused.
And many people i know that build amps, have came across the same thing.
So it may just be in the Atom series. And really if you look at the data on them, they are not listed as being that good of a cap.
They use to be great caps, but something has changed.

I think someone said the trouble started about the time the ROHS crap started.
Sometimes too, if they don't toast your amp, the bypass caps will make your amp thin and sterile sounding. And no hope of fixing the amp, unless you change those caps.
Maybe a good name for them now, ATOM caps.. you want your amp to look like a bomb went off on the board, buy the ATOM caps.
I would post pics, but its just to scarry to look at..

But yes, as posted or answered above, you can use a 25uf cap. Most new caps that say 22uf, will measure a lower value in 9 out of 10 of them.

[Structo]

Interesting Richie,

A few months back I replaced my bypass caps on my D'Lite with Sprague 4.7uF 50v caps.
The black ones with the green print.

Are these caps junk? Not sure if I would hear it but just want to be sure that it isn't messing with the tone.

[bancika]

I used the exact ones - black 25uF atoms. Darn, I was hoping to buy myself some piece with extra price those buggers cost and not to worry about crap like this

[img:800:600]http://diy-fever.com/wordpress/wp-conte ... _input.jpg[/img]

[FYL]

Are these caps junk?

They are vastly overpriced.

[redshark]

I used those spragues for my express built and I used F&T for the power supply. I don't think all the 25mf spragues have to be bad, maybe some people had a few bad ones but that don't necesarily mean all of them will be bad.

[M Fowler]

I have not had any problems with using those caps.

[ChrisM]

No problems here either.

[Structo]

Well, at least it isn't one more thing to worry about!

[Richie]

not all are bad, but more than a few, it is also the medium voltage blue color and some blue high voltage ones.
I think same series. They can also make your amp sound thin and sterile,no bass.
So, i guess if you get a good one your ok, but i just stay away from them,since i have witnessed some of these myself.
Could have been a bad run or whatever,but i have found many others to use i like,and don't cost as much.
I asked the owner of a pic if i could post it. If allowed i'll edit it into the post, the pic will speak for itself.

[Cliff Schecht]