Caps Recomendation

[prezden]

I am just finishing up my first amp mods. project- a sure 2024 board. Now I have 4 different inexpensive amp kits similar to the 2024 in the mail. As these are kits I will be building from scratch but would like to be able to make some modifications similar to the ones on the 2024.
I would like to buy a small inventory of caps that would be useful for the mods. Could some of you experienced and knowing folks provide with me a list of some of the caps most used for modifying these small amps.

Thanks!

[prezden]

Nobody

[scott17]

What range of values are you looking for?

Check out this link, one of many:

http://www.alliedelec.com/kits/capacitor-kits/

[redkid]

There has been a lot of very good articles already written on caps for T-amps on this site

Here is one called : Best t-amp capacitors?
Best t-amp capacitors?

Other searches will give even more advice

[redkid]

Found another

Tripath Input Coupling Caps

[Redshift187]

Mid sized electrolytics:
1000uF, 2200uF, 4700uF Panasonic FR

Small electrolytics:
10uF, 47uF, 100uF Panasonic EB

Polyester:
100nF, 220nF, 470nF Wima or Epcos

All of the caps listed are cheap, and the electrolytics are rated for high temp and long life. This list covers 90% of the values I use for various amps.

Polypropylene caps are supposed to be great, but most of the time I can't get the value I need in a size that will fit. Also, being more expensive, I don't want to order a bunch to have on hand.

[Davet]

I initiated the Tripath coupling cap thread. I agree with Redshft187 with the exception of his reference to polyester caps. Marsh and Jung did a paper quite a few years ago regarding the sonics of capacitors. Teflon, Polystyrene, Polypropylene, and Polycarbonate are the caps suggested for caps in the audio circuit. Some inexpensive polypropylene caps can be had at Radio Shack that sound very good.

Electrolytics should be reserved to power supplies, and the Panasonics are excellent for a moderate price. There are uses for other capacitor topologies put polyester and tantalum tend to be no-nos.

If you are trying to improve the sound of the amp, try the input (coupling) caps. You should be able to hear the difference when swapping these caps.

To get a little more performance the "tank" caps (which tend to be electrolytic) can have the number of micro-farads increased.

Make sure that the voltage ratings are either equal to or greater than the rating of the capacitor you are replacing.

Your query is rather broad. It would be easier to get a focused response if you narrow the breadth of your question. I know that may be hard if you don't know what you don't know.

My suggestion: start with the coupling caps.

[prezden]

Thank you all for your suggestions. The amps I am going to be working on in the near future are:
1. Sure TPA3122 15W Stereo Amp
2. LJM P6 OP Preamplifier
3. LJM TDA7293 60W+60W Amplifier
4. XY TDA2030A Amplifier Amp
These are all inexpensive kits for fun and learning. This is a new retirement hobby for me. I like these little amp because I can build them into small hand made wooden cases which is half the fun.

Redshift- your list is most helpful. What are the appropriate V ratings best for these mods. I have been reading through a lot of the threads on amp mods but must admit I find it a little overwhelming with so many options.

Again- thanks for all your help

[Davet]

I agree whole heartedly agree that these amps are great for experimentation. Like you I enjoy the boxing of these units.

Redshift187's was trying to give you a ballpark range for various caps. The voltages should be printed on the caps. The voltage will vary depending on the design of the amplifier. I think it would be more prudent to decide which amplifier you are going to modify, then order the capacitors.

Coupling caps usually are rated at 200 volts or greater and for T-Amps they are from 1 to 4 micro-farads.

Consider Digi-Key, Allied Ellectronics, or Mouser Electronics as a source for caps. They can be ordered online or via the phone from these companies.

The more esoteric coupling caps can be ordered online.

[prezden]

I just received the first of the amps I ordered; TDA2030A. My plan is to replace all the caps (4 @ 22uf 50v and 2 @ 2.2uf 50v) the two 0.1 K100 resistors and the cheep pot with an Alps 50k unit. Would it be best to simply replace the caps and resistors with ones of the same value, or how would I figure out what values would work best?
Here is a photo of the board from the supplier's web site:
Thanks again for all your help