So the stock caps are 2500mfd, 50v and I have some 2200/50v but they're TINY compared to the originals. I know, they're large cans vs small radials, I'm just unsure if they're big enough physically or if it even makes a difference?
Size doesn't matter. Well at least physical size doesn't.
The original Mallory caps were called "computer grade", which meant that they were designed to a higher standard than normal consumer grade caps. That is part of the reason that they have lasted so long.
Modern caps are much smaller than old caps, but the trade off is that they don't seem to last as long.
In the rare occasions that I need to replace them, I use the larger sized "snap-in" caps, which come in larger diameters. I will either build a small circuit board to hold the new caps in place that has screw in contact points to connect the original wires to or I use some sort of thick ring to adapt the smaller diameter caps to the size of the original cap clamps.
Some folks like to increase the value of the caps to double or triple the original ratings.
Kustom_Bart Messages: 601 Registered: October 2010 Location: Greenville, MichiGUN
Senior Member
For sure what ChicagoBill said, do not go lesser value of modern caps, go bigger and they will last much much longer. That is exactly what my guy told me to do that fixes the stuff on mine that I can't.
Fortunately I didn't have to get into the caps, I cleaned the jacks and pots and the raucous hum went away so my guess is one of the input jacks wasn't shorting correctly.
stevem Messages: 4736 Registered: June 2004 Location: NY
Senior Member
To this day I am still no sure that the original big can type filters do not make for less power supply sag at high output levels as compared to new smaller ones!