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Vintage Marshall Filter Caps

ptrickamp222

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Aug 22, 2007
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Hey all you Vintage Marshall experts. I have a early 71' metal panel coming real quick. All stock in great condition. Looks like original filter caps. I always change filter and cathode caps on my vintage amps. Hate to have a few dollar part take out a vintage power tranny. What filter caps do you recommend for the best sound and quality. My 72' has F&T's and seem's to be fine...it came with a cap job already done. Plus the NOS Mullard XF2's and Mullard and Telefunken preamps don't hurt. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Pic's to come. It's coming from across the Pond. And I already have NOS .68 Mustard's available for V2 Cathode.........:salude
 

Hamilton

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Jan 7, 2002
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I used to be under the mindset that filter caps needed to be changed until I realized that there was nothing wrong with most of the caps I was throwing out.

The last PA head I bought, the guy just had all the Erie's changed out and didn't save them. :pisd
 

jbzoso2002

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F&T's are great!

I would change them every 10 years no matter what.

Ive seen pics of old one's exploding:wow

Jimmy:salude
 

reswot

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Jan 22, 2004
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I used to be under the mindset that filter caps needed to be changed until I realized that there was nothing wrong with most of the caps I was throwing out.

The last PA head I bought, the guy just had all the Erie's changed out and didn't save them. :pisd

That's all well and good until one goes and takes a PT with it....
 

Hamilton

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I know, I've heard all the arguments.

Even saw a pic of a new one that blew up. I'll take any Eries or Hunts you guys throw out.
 

sickboy79

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Apr 2, 2002
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F&T are great. I've also got JJs in one of my Marshalls with no complaints. But, the "general" verdict with Marshall guru's is F&T. But, I haven't compared in the same amp A/B to know. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
 

BIG Dave

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Aug 18, 2001
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Hey all you Vintage Marshall experts. I have a early 71' metal panel coming real quick...

Is it a 100 watt or 50 watt? Zoso has a real good replacement for the 100uF caps used in 100 watt amps. It is here:

http://sozoamplification.com/royal67_purchase.html

If the amp is a 50 watt, you can either go with F&T or wait for Zoso to bring out their 50uF x 50uF. From what I understand, they are supposed to be available sometime this year. And BTW, I have the original Erie's in my '71 JMP50 and they are still working fine...
 

zombiwoof

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Feb 22, 2003
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AES (tubesandmore.com) also sells generic 50/50 and 100/100 can caps that are inexpensive, like $9 each. I think they are made in Taiwan or something, and I haven't heard anything about their quality, but it is another option.

Al
 

keef

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Jan 27, 2002
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Is there any simple reversible mod you can do to prevent the power tranny blowing when the filter caps go out - like adding resistors or fuses?
 

Outtahear

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Dec 23, 2002
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I like the ARS as good (or better) than any replacements.
Some of the lowest ESR/ripple out there.

That said, I do like the Hunts/Erie originals for the fact that they don't.

If you like hum-free(er) + tight. find some AES (Lord Valve has 'em..)
 

ptrickamp222

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Aug 22, 2007
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Is there any simple reversible mod you can do to prevent the power tranny blowing when the filter caps go out - like adding resistors or fuses?

On my JTM 50 watt that I built years ago with a rectifier I installed a fuse on the power tranny center tap to ground. I would have to look to see what amp fuse it is but it has saved the tranny from blown tubes. Also you can use diodes on the power tubes.....But I would not do that to an original vintage marshall.
 

ptrickamp222

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Aug 22, 2007
Messages
879
Is it a 100 watt or 50 watt? Zoso has a real good replacement for the 100uF caps used in 100 watt amps. It is here:

http://sozoamplification.com/royal67_purchase.html

If the amp is a 50 watt, you can either go with F&T or wait for Zoso to bring out their 50uF x 50uF. From what I understand, they are supposed to be available sometime this year. And BTW, I have the original Erie's in my '71 JMP50 and they are still working fine...

It's a 50 watter.....and Thanks to All for the Great Input!!!!!:applaude
 

ptrickamp222

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Aug 22, 2007
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I will definitely fire her up and do a voltage check on all tubes and caps. Play her just the way she comes for a sound check. Then will do the filter and cathode cap change with a set of NOS Mullard XF2's w/double getters and Mullard and Telefunken preamp. I think it is just to risky to use caps that old.......All I would be thinking about playing is losing the power tranny and trying to find another original........Good Luck:wah My 72' with the F&T's Cranks and sounds really good with the NOS tubes down low also.:salude
 

ptrickamp222

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Aug 22, 2007
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879
AES (tubesandmore.com) also sells generic 50/50 and 100/100 can caps that are inexpensive, like $9 each. I think they are made in Taiwan or something, and I haven't heard anything about their quality, but it is another option.

Al

My thinking is why go economy on a Killer amp. Marshall's run on Premium.......It needs the High Octane for the PTP board. Especially when I add the .68 Mustard to V2 cathode:peace2
 

zombiwoof

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Feb 22, 2003
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My thinking is why go economy on a Killer amp. Marshall's run on Premium.......It needs the High Octane for the PTP board. Especially when I add the .68 Mustard to V2 cathode:peace2

If you read the posts above one guy says the AES caps are great, and if Lord Valve sells them that's a good sign, too. I just had heard a few good comments about them and thought I'd let you know. Higher price doesn't always mean a better product!

Al
 

bnorm44

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Dec 3, 2002
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punchier lows, less piercing highs and less ghosting. it sounds harmonically richer and a little more dirty in a marshally way

Roe, Is this because the tolerence's are tighter from cap to cap? or is it just because? LOL! :jim

I mean the value of a cap is most important, correct? If two caps measure the exact same value, can they sound different?

I did a filter cap replacement with a JCM 800 2204, 27y/o Daly's for new F&T's, The change removed the hum from my amp, but that's about it. No change in tone at all, but I didn't want change so that's okay. I'm just curious as to how electronic components of the same value can provide tone change.

I can! see how build quality can make a difference over time.
 
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