Project: Baldwin Tube Amp...

[807tubenut]

Save the Sangamo caps, it's not likely there bad.

[chops]

Well I'd rather just replace them all and be done with it. I don't want to have to get back into this amp once I get it back up and running.

[807tubenut]

Eh... OK.



Cut the leads long, ill buy the sangamo type 33's from you.

[chops]

Why? What's the big deal with them?

[807tubenut]

There just good foil caps, That's my point, Iv saved a few dozen from old amps, never had any that were out of range or tolerance.

[chops]

So what you're suggesting is that I should test them (which they'll most likely measure good) and leave them in? That would definitely save me some cash, about $24-40 worth depending on which caps I went with. What about those mica caps? My father says those almost never go bad either. These caps are sonically equal to modern "hifi" caps of today?

Like I said, when the amp worked, it sounded really really good, and I've had and/or heard good amps in my system over the years including several vintage SS McIntosh amps, the Adcom I mentioned earlier, a Carver TFM-35x, an Opera Consonance M100SE and a Cary Audio SLI-80. The Baldwin amp gives them all a very good run for their money, and besting most of them!

I guess I should just focus on the PS and filter caps, getting new electrolytic caps to replace them. I'll need six in total. Anything special here or just the normal?

[taj]

Old electrolytics are probably most in need of replacement. They don't age well at all. And electrolytics have improved a lot in the past 50 years. Nothing special is required but you may have trouble finding much supply of caps in those high voltage values.

As long as those Sangamo's aren't leaking (current, not liquid ooze) and their value is within reason, then keep them. If you want to replace them without entering the snake oil vat, Sprague orange drop (model 715P or better, 716P) are excellent replacements. Antique Electronic Supply sells 716P's for something like a $1.50 ea. Anything more 'boutique' than those is beyond anyone's advice (though such advice is plentiful). Go with your instincts there.

Keep the micas if their value is within tolerance/reason. They've become somewhat more accurate over the years, but they don't deteriorate as far as I know.

..Todd

[chops]

Originally Posted by taj

Old electrolytics are probably most in need of replacement. They don't age well at all. And electrolytics have improved a lot in the past 50 years. Nothing special is required but you may have trouble finding much supply of caps in those high voltage values.

As long as those Sangamo's aren't leaking (current, not liquid ooze) and their value is within reason, then keep them. If you want to replace them without entering the snake oil vat, Sprague orange drop (model 715P or better, 716P) are excellent replacements. Antique Electronic Supply sells 716P's for something like a $1.50 ea. Anything more 'boutique' than those is beyond anyone's advice (though such advice is plentiful). Go with your instincts there.

Keep the micas if their value is within tolerance/reason. They've become somewhat more accurate over the years, but they don't deteriorate as far as I know.

..Todd

I'm sure the electrolytics are the cause of the entire problem. As for finding new caps in the high voltages, I think these should work fine for both the PS and filter sections...

47uF 450V Radial Mini Electrolytic Capacitor | Parts-Express.com


If the Sangomo's measure good, then I'll keep them. However, if they don't, you suggest going with the Sprague Orange Drop 716P's? Are those supposed to be better than the current Sangomo's?

[taj]

Originally Posted by chops

If the Sangomo's measure good, then I'll keep them. However, if they don't, you suggest going with the Sprague Orange Drop 716P's? Are those supposed to be better than the current Sangomo's?

Go with your instincts.

..Todd

[vinylkid58]

Originally Posted by chops

I guess I should just focus on the PS and filter caps, getting new electrolytic caps to replace them. I'll need six in total. Anything special here or just the normal?

Is there any reason why you need two 5U4's? With one rectifier, you would need to replace fewer caps.

jeff