[Trevor Wilson]

On 10/03/2017 12:01 PM, wrote:
What type of capacitor would be the best match to replace the old
paper/wax caps in old tube gear?

I am not referring to the electrolytics, those I know need to be
electrolytic caps. I am referring to the inter stage caps, such as .01
.05 .1, .005 and so on.....

The object is to replace all the caps in an old tube radio, or any other
tube stuff.

Yes, I know this topic was sort of discussed a few weeks ago, and I
recall hearing that any of them would work, but that does not really
answer this question. Sure, they may all work, but what type would be
the closest match to the original paper/wax types?

From what I know, those caps were made from paper and a metal foil
rolled up and coated with wax. So, what is the nearest similar type?

From that last discussion, I know I left that thread sort of puzzled
because all caps seem tp contain "poly" (which means plastic). I am
thinking that what seems to be the closest would be whatever plastic
replaces the paper, and a foil. From what I understand, some caps do not
have a foil, but rather some sort of metallic material that is coated or
sprayed on. Those are probably not what I would want to use, because
they are not similar to the originals.

I am fully aware that the voltage MUST be the same or higher and the uf
must be close, such as .047 to replace .05. Also for tube circuits,
axial leads are preferred.

Then too, looking on ebay and other sources, I see a lot of very
expensive caps which are intended for high end audio amps. For my needs,
I will not pay $29.99 for one cap, and yes I have seen them cost that
much.

I am seeing some no-name cheap China caps selling for as little as 20
cents each. While I like to save money, I'd really rather spend $1 each
for something like the Orange Drops, which have been around a long time
and seem to be good quality, despite the fact they dont come in axial
form. But they generally can fit into most places.

I will only be replacing those paper/wax caps and the electrolytics. I
wont touch any mica or silver mica types, unless they appear to be bad
(I will probably test them though).

One that I do recall, are the so called Mylar, which I think were the
first ones that were made to replace the old paper caps. I guess they
now changed that name to something "poly" also.....

What would you recommend or use?
Web url's appreciated for lower cost AMERICAN made caps.

One last thing, I found some cap assortments on ebay. 150 or 200 caps of
assorted values, labeled as NOS (New old stock), but they are NOT the
paper/wax kind. Since I have no spare caps, and just want an assortment
on hand, I was thinking about buying one of those. I would NOT buy NOS
electrolytics, but for the interstage types, I might consider this, just
so I have an assortment of caps on hand..




**Just use a decent quality Mylar, polycarb or polyprop cap. If you try
to source PIO (Paper In Oil) types, then you'll need the national debt
of a small South American nation to pay for one. AND you'll gain
nothing. Just a plain ole plastic cap. It'll work and keep working and
there will be zero impact on sound quality.

--
Trevor Wilson
www.rageaudio.com.au