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Topic: Question About Capacitor Types in a Preamp Circuit |
Gary Meixner
From:
New York, USA
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Posted 17 Apr 2014 10:00 am |
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I want to build a small tube preamp with tone controls and have found a circuit that seems to be easy to build and perfect for my use. The parts list calls for ceramic disk capacitors to be used throughout except for the filter caps. Is there a sonic advantage to these over other types?; I have always thought of ceramic disk caps as low cost options for non-critical applications. I have most of the parts and hardware already from other projects and don't mind spending a little extra on components if they will make a difference. Thank you for the help.
Gary Meixner |
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Chris Reesor
From:
British Columbia, Canada
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Posted 17 Apr 2014 12:33 pm Caps for preamp
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Ceramic disc caps are cheap but they have wide tolerances.
I'd probably use a film type cap, say an Orange Drop or equivalent for coupling and tone stack, silver mica for the low values like 250 pF you find in many tone stacks
Good luck with your project.
CR.
_________________
Excel Superb U12, MIJ Squier tele, modified Deluxe Reverb RI, Cube 80XL, self built acoustics & mandolins |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 17 Apr 2014 2:22 pm
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Ceramic caps are notoriously brittle and harsh sounding, such that you seldom see them used in preamp circuits. Film caps would be a better choice, mylar, polypropylene, or polyethylene. They are smoother sounding, and fairly inexpensive. For very small values, mica is the usual choice, while tantalum or (cheaper) electrolytics seem to be the standard for larger values.  |
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Tom Gorr
From:
Three Hills, Alberta
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Posted 17 Apr 2014 3:35 pm
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There's a lot of websites dedicated to hobby building guitar amps...I used to frequent them a lot...a lot of focus on what's the best brand and type of every component to maximize tone.
Here's a few:
http://www.ampage.org/
http://ampgarage.com/forum/
Further, there are various amp kits offerred with all the period correct parts, and each kit manufacturer has a discussion forum to talk about tips and troubleshooting for their specific kits, but valuable discussion generally.
Also, the Technical Discussion forum on "thegearpage" is probably one of the most active places for advice and opinion. |
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