I recently completed a VTA ST70 using the upgraded multicap (40-80-20-30). To protect the 5AR4 from transformer flashback, two UF4007's were placed in series between each of the mains' secondaries and pins 4 and 6 of 5AR4 (4 diodes total) as recommended in another post.
Then I read the following about the Cmax of the 5AR4 rectifier tube:
"If you are running a 5AR4 or GZ-34 Cmax is usually 60uF
Yes, according to the tube specification sheets 60 mfd is maximum. Real life practice would dictate that the first cap value be lowered since the level of quality between the older rectifiers and the newer ones leaves a lot to be desired. Lowering the first cap to 40-45 mfd lowers the chance of sparking/ark over that wrecks the 5AR4. Have used a 60 mfd value in the past which resulted in several failures even with name brand rectifiers. Past experience my recommendations would be to steer away from the JJ brand as well as those made in Japan and China. Note* JJ does make some very nice triodes and I am especially fond of the 12At7 that I used in my VTA board I had a few years ago."
My question is would it be beneficial to put one or two uf4007's in series between pin 8 of the 5AR4 and the first section of the multicap to further protect the 5AR4 from capacitor flashback?
I am wondering about this because a friend has suggested that I add another 100uf capacitance to the 80uf section to tighten up the bass on my amp. I am afraid to do this because of what I read above.
Rich
Then I read the following about the Cmax of the 5AR4 rectifier tube:
"If you are running a 5AR4 or GZ-34 Cmax is usually 60uF
Yes, according to the tube specification sheets 60 mfd is maximum. Real life practice would dictate that the first cap value be lowered since the level of quality between the older rectifiers and the newer ones leaves a lot to be desired. Lowering the first cap to 40-45 mfd lowers the chance of sparking/ark over that wrecks the 5AR4. Have used a 60 mfd value in the past which resulted in several failures even with name brand rectifiers. Past experience my recommendations would be to steer away from the JJ brand as well as those made in Japan and China. Note* JJ does make some very nice triodes and I am especially fond of the 12At7 that I used in my VTA board I had a few years ago."
My question is would it be beneficial to put one or two uf4007's in series between pin 8 of the 5AR4 and the first section of the multicap to further protect the 5AR4 from capacitor flashback?
I am wondering about this because a friend has suggested that I add another 100uf capacitance to the 80uf section to tighten up the bass on my amp. I am afraid to do this because of what I read above.
Rich