Replacing caps in tube amp

[Kingbuzo]

I am replacing caps in my dean markley cd 60 combo with 6L6 ...my amp has two 350v 100uf , one 500v 22uf and two 450v 33uf caps....i have found all but the 450v 33uf...what would be the next comparable cap in its replacement? Better to go higher ? Like 500v 40uf ....iam a little unsure on how to pick them because schematics are hard to find.....Thank you for your help

[R.G.]

Depends on where you are. Mouser Electronics lists 58 different 33uF/450V electro caps, 7 of which are axial, the rest radial. They're about $5-$7 each.

[soundguruman]

Yes it's better to go higher. A bit higher voltage rating is very good. And it's better to use caps with 105 C temp rating, instead of 85C. It will last longer.
And it is better to use 8000 hour rating instead of 2000 hour, etc...
But there is a limit, the availability of high quality parts, and the price. But I always try to squeeze as much in there as the budget allows.
Yes it takes more researching, and shopping time, but the amp turns out better, and is more reliable in the long haul.

[Kingbuzo]

thanks you guys, i already have a purchace pending with h**p://www.turretboards.com/ , the caps are f&T axial, i accidentlly ordered the dual-type caps...which i dont think i can use ......unless there is some way of using the dual-axial type...what value should i use and i will search for it ...thank you

[tedmich]

thanks you guys, i already have a purchace pending with h**p://www.turretboards.com/ , the caps are f&T axial, i accidentlly ordered the dual-type caps...which i dont think i can use ......unless there is some way of using the dual-axial type...what value should i use and i will search for it ...thank you

they'll be bigger but you can use both positive leads and get 2 x 33uF filtering, just solder the (+) leads together (they only have 1 (-) lead)

[Kingbuzo]

thank you tedmich, that will make it easier ....i knew there would be someway to use them...i dont know how it will affect the tone, but will find out iguess. i thank you all for your help...im sure there will be more questions in the future, thanks again =)

[tedmich]

hopefully you are clear on tube amp safety, the big PS filter caps are one of the few places where safety are important, be sure to bleed/drain the caps and avoid shocking yourself. Usually better bass, less "sag" and a "stiffer" sound are attributed to having more PS capacitance, with no real upper limit unless you have a tube rectifier, with 65-70uF per leg MAX as a general rule of thumb with old tube rectifiers.

[Kingbuzo]

just following up.....i replaced both 6l6's and the 5 power caps as well as 3 smaller caps(pre amp?)....what a difference....all hum is gone and way fatter sounding and more range in tones....hard to explain....but way better ! i order a bias probe kit and am waiting for it to arrive to assemble....my amp only has 1 bias pot ....next step is to get plate voltage and then do the mathmatics to find out the correct setting for bias ..im sure i will have more questions when it arrives, thank you all for your advice it is much appreciated =)

[tedmich]

anytime you work on an amp and it sounds BETTER is cause for celebration! Congrats!

extra credit for not zapping yourself!