Mallory or Sprague for Express

[DustyBadlands]

I've been shopping around the the best price on power supply capacitors(Mallory- 20uf and 40uf @450v) for my Express build and have found that the cost is 2X or more than some of the prices I seen in some parts lists on this site. Any comments on using Sprague or some other brands? Is there a recommended supplier that has decent prices for small quantity's? Thanks.

[Fischerman]

I have heard a couple of amp builders (not hobbyists...but guys in the business) say that they won't use Sprague anymore due to high failure rates and cost. In both cases they said that Nichicon was the best value...good, reliable and low cost. But all that's just hearsay.

[billyz]

I have been hearing good reports on F&T caps. Price is not too bad from CE.

I stocked up on the Sprague Atoms before the change, so I have not tried any others yet. I did recently use some JJ can caps and they seem to good so far.

I never liked the look of Illinois caps, small skinny, but ,I have never seen one fail.

[Noel Grassy]

DustyBadLands,
The price hikes are relatively recent as well as prohibitive! Here's the thread where at first it was discussed.
https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.php?t=6163

It's a cryin' shame what our dollar buys anymore. Best of luck with
your eventual choice.

NG.

[gearhead]

Even though I had enough for my current build plans, ended up getting a life-time supply from e-sonic. They were no problems at all; can only recommend them.

Only hangup was my credit card company put a hold on the purchase because it didn't fit my profile of "usual purchases". Huh? 50% of my credit card bills for the last two years have been from allied, mouser, apex jr, allynmey, etc. Canadian company was probably the kicker.

[joebob]

There's nothing wrong with Xicon or Nichicon caps. Definately a lot less expensive; (Xicon) $1.49 for a 22/450v and $2.99 for a 47/450v.

D

[sliberty]

In fact, if you don't mind radial caps, Mouser has Xicon's for $.62 (22uF/450V) and $1.85 (47uF/450V)

[Tavda3172]

Nichicon radials are excellent. I would expect the same from the axials. They are superior to the Sprague Atoms and they are small and cheap. They are made by Panasonic I believe, who also has high quality caps. I give a big thanks to the computer industry for this. Just my 2 cents.
-Kevin

[dave g]

Xicons are cheap and I don't mind using them in amps with a relatively low B+. However, I don't really trust them in larger amps. I have been using 500v F&T cans lately and really liking them.

TCs are great - if you can get them...

[Allynmey]

TC series seem to work great if you can find them reasonably priced. The Tech Caps seem to sound exactly the same. I use the TC75's on my builds and the Tech Cap 47 uF for the plate and screens. No sound difference between the TC78's and Tech Caps. I've never had one fail. I've also used F&T's also with very good results.

[DustyBadlands]

Thanks for all the great information. I decided to go with the TC78,TC75's from Esonic. They also had the pots for the build.Tracking down parts for express is quite a challenge and a lot of fun. Thanks again. Victor