The Amp Garage

So does that mean they are the same as the next gen SoZo caps? Hi Mark, This is what I told, yes; that they are the same construction as the original line of SoZos. I only have spoken word on that but don't know who is making them. The Synergy caps are reported to be made in the US. Some months ago...

trobbins wrote: ↑Tue May 28, 2024 10:43 am Photo of pin 2-3 arc damage on ceramic socket in attached article on such protection issue.
https://dalmura.com.au/static/Output%20 ... ection.pdf

Thanks for the link to the article. I will read it. I thought I saw a damaged ceramic socket. That would be quite a feat.

jabguit wrote: ↑Tue May 28, 2024 10:41 am I believe they are New Sensor/EH made in Russia. Much like the Tung-Sol reissues.

cheers,

Thanks for your reply.
Wow, the Tung-Sol reissues have a good reputation. I wonder how this one failed the QC?

I agree with the notion that flyback voltage and dust with some moisture content on the socket is likely to be the fatal combination, drawing the arc along the surface. Seems like giving the power tube sockets on older amps a good cleaning with alcohol might be a good idea. Thanks for your reply Ma...

I think it's also due to the ac filament power. Pin 3 is highly positive D.C. Pin 2 at a rate 50 or 60 times a second goes from being positive ac to zero and then that starts the attraction of D.C. Then pin2 then goes highly negative in relation to the D.C. Polarity of pin 3, so even a higher level...

I think it would be noisier than it needs to be.

I hadn’t used the Mullard reissue valves before but it’s my understanding they are Sovtek made valves. I thought they might be good for this 1980 2203 amp. I got the valves from Amplified Parts (as I can’t purchase from CE Distribution.) I have arranged to get TAD 12AX7 to replace it, and contacted ...

Does anyone know who manufactures Synergy capacitors? I spoke with Robert from Valvestorm a while back and he said that they are made in the US and the Synergy brand formed after Sozo went overseas (China or Taiwan). He said they are the same as what a Sozo was before they went overseas, just US ma...

I was talking to someone on You Tube about the octal sockets burning between pins 2 and 3. His opinion was that it’s caused by flyback from a speaker connection going open circuit. I don’t know if I entirely believe this (of course I could be wrong) as it would be easier for the arc to go through ai...

TUBEDUDE wrote: ↑Mon May 27, 2024 11:05 am Fiberglass / G-10

It’s the way to go I’m sure.

I was under the impression that low voltage esr testers weren't necessarily accurate for high voltage caps. That atlas tester is putting out ~12v? I have also measured plenty of old electrolytics that have blown their guts but still test OK on an LCR meter. Sometimes the amp isn't even that noisy; ...

Here’s a 1000uf 50v Rubycon that swollen and starting to leak and it still test out at only .94 ohms, unfortunately it’s only 5 years old. I have encountered caps that started spilling the dielectric and still having a low ESR. The Rubycon does look as back as one Astron caps I pulled out of my Ban...

The 10u 160V IC cap's ESR is not out of line. Check the chart that came with your Peak. Are there caps with lower ESR? Sure, and in some applications such as SMPS with high ripple current it's necessary for adequate life. Those old Mallory's appear to be good, but if that amp is going to be a playe...

TUBEDUDE wrote: ↑Wed May 15, 2024 11:14 am I have one of those cheap cap checkers (different brand) and I wonder if the measured value is similar when the cap is in circuit with high.voltage on the plates.

The caps were measured out of circuit. I tried to make it as accurate as possible.

Thanks for this test out and post, and yes that’s over a 10% different which is a lot! My math says over 1000% in ESR. A current data sheet from Mouser indicates IC is part of CDE, and the max ESR for 10uF 160V axial at 120 Hz is 33.157 ohms. IMG_0204.jpeg IMG_0205.jpeg IMG_0206.jpeg IMG_0207.jpeg ...