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Vintage threads from the first ten years

Is it OK to use 40uF right after 5Y3GT?

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7/14/2003 9:30 PM
Chuck Roberts	Is it OK to use 40uF right after 5Y3GT? It's all I have on hand. Thanks

7/14/2003 11:42 PM
Sleebo_The_Beebo	IMO it's OK but ... you may stress the 5y3 a little bit when the cap charges when you first turn your amp on. In other words, a lower cap value would help to extend the life of the 5y3. If you have to go with that much capacitence, you might try using a 5u4 instead.

7/15/2003 6:46 PM
MBSetzer	SF Champs do this and it seems to be OK. the 5Y3 may not last quite as many decades as it would if there was only 20uf, but they sure don't seem to die too quickly with 40uf. Mike

7/15/2003 6:53 PM
Andy	you could always try putting two 40uF caps in series with 100-220k balancing resistors... that would bring it down to 20uF

7/15/2003 10:46 PM
Chuck Roberts	Thanks guys. I tried it and it seems to be OK (no smoke or flashing at least)

7/16/2003 4:26 PM
Bruce /Mission Amps	Yes, but put a 10 to 47ohm 2-5 watt resistor in front of the filter cap + lead. Current surge protection as the tube turns on super fast! Bruce

7/17/2003 1:03 AM
Steve A.	Bruce: Yes, but put a 10 to 47ohm 2-5 watt resistor in front of the filter cap + lead. Current surge protection as the tube turns on super fast! So that recommendation is specifically for the 5Y3GT rectifier and is not necessary with something like a 5U4... right? --Thanks! Steve Ahola

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