CE filter caps or F&T? Why are both available?

[JDW3]

I built a Metro 50 and my buddy just bought a Metro 50, already built.


Mine has F&T filter caps. His has CE. I almost feel his is as spongey as mine. Mine are 32/32, his are 50/50.

Does that make any sense? What are the quality differences?

[Roe]

In the US, the German F&T caps are quite a bit more expensive than the asian CEs. the F&T have a very good reputation while the CEs are not so well-known. George says the CEs test well

[JDW3]

Is it possible that the CE's are not as tight sounding? My old 50w Marshall is tighter with 30 year old caps. Sounds like it anyway. Maybe other factors are involved.

I can get away with just replacing the end 2 caps right? The other cap I would have to remove the board to get to. Isn't the 3rd cap for the PI circuit?

[NitroLiq]

"Tightness" has more to do with the amount of power section filtering than the brand as well as whether said amp is using solid state rectification (diodes) vs. tube rectification. You could increase the filtering to tighten it up but 'too much' and the amp may start to sound a bit sterile.

[JDW3]

The amp is SS rectified. It's not mine but knowing my buddy, he'll want to replace the caps. The modding bug has bit!

Fun stuff.

[neikeel]

Is it possible that the CE's are not as tight sounding? My old 50w Marshall is tighter with 30 year old caps. Sounds like it anyway. Maybe other factors are involved.

I can get away with just replacing the end 2 caps right? The other cap I would have to remove the board to get to. Isn't the 3rd cap for the PI circuit?

On a 50watter the corner cap is 50/50 joined positives to make 100uF - that is your mains filter. The can next to it is 50uF to the screens and 50uF to the PI. The cap under the board is 50 and 50 at two different nodes in the preamp.

I like 100uF on mains and 32uF/32uF in preamp, I vascillate between 32 and 50 for screens/PI

[eddie25]

I can get away with just replacing the end 2 caps right? The other cap I would have to remove the board to get to. Isn't the 3rd cap for the PI circuit?

I would change all three. I think the wires are long enough that you can do it from the top of the chassis without removing the board.

[neikeel]

I can get away with just replacing the end 2 caps right? The other cap I would have to remove the board to get to. Isn't the 3rd cap for the PI circuit?

I would change all three. I think the wires are long enough that you can do it from the top of the chassis without removing the board.

In my experience the wires are nearly always just too short on a stock amp and I usually add an inch to them, covering with heatshrink of course .