Values for C3: Any Impact on Sound?

[Robal]

The electrolytic cap at C3 is shown on the schematic to have useable values from 50uf to 500uf/50v. On Ian's original, it looks like a 500uf. On many of the new builds, people seem to use 100uf. My Watkins Dominator uses 50uf. Is there an audible difference in using different values? Why do people tend to use the 100uf rather than the higher values? I am going to experiment, but I thought I would gain from others' experience too. Thanks.

[zaphod_phil]

Bigger values of C3 will give you better low-end. 220uF is another fairly common value, and one recommended by Jason in his set of mods.

[Graydon]

Hi,

Colin's original had a 500uF there as well and that is how I have built most of mine. The large value does give the amp a huge bottom end and keeps it tight.

Maybe we should call the 500uF, the "J-Lo" cap.

[zaphod_phil]

What a twisted mind! Don't get yourself sued!

[Plexi]

"""huge bottom end and keeps it tight.

Maybe we should call the 500uF, the "J-Lo" cap. """

"""Is there an audible difference in using different values?""


HA i can see it now, me putting an amp together,and mumbling,lets see ,i need the J-Lo cap here.. Cause i want the tight huge bottom.

The difference in sound would be if my Puerto Rican wife heard me mumbling about J'Lo..i think it might raise her volume level, and she might blow a fuse,and would have to fix the rectification,before i'd get any input signal from her.....LOL J/K

I use the 500uf too or 470uf if i can't find the 500s..

Richie