Can I replace electrolytic capacitors with different value?

[Chris Lauver]

Hello, I have an old Magnavox Imperial series console from 1972 that I would like to re-cap the head unit and amp. The problem is, some of the capacitors are not common values. I know you can up the voltage, but can I change capacitance as long as I stay within the tolerance? The ones I am wanting to replace are all Nichicon and marked as follows. 20MFD-20v, 20MFD-15v, 200MFD-20v, 250MFD-10v, 300MFD-35v, and 500MFD-50v. Also, there is one axial marked 20MFD-15v. Thanks for your help.

 

[DaveVoorhis]

Hello, I have an old Magnavox Imperial series console from 1972 that I would like to re-cap the head unit and amp. The problem is, some of the capacitors are not common values. I know you can up the voltage, but can I change capacitance as long as I stay within the tolerance? The ones I am wanting to replace are all Nichicon and marked as follows. 20MFD-20v, 20MFD-15v, 200MFD-20v, 250MFD-10v, 300MFD-35v, and 500MFD-50v. Also, there is one axial marked 20MFD-15v. Thanks for your help.

For power supply filter capacitors, you can increase the capacitance as long as you stay (roughly) within tolerance. Reducing the capacitance may slightly increase 50/60hz hum.

For electrolytic caps not used as power supply filter caps, you're usually safe going up or down in value as long as you're within tolerance. Parallel caps are additive in value, so if you're concerned about hitting the right value, you can always put a few caps in parallel.

Don't go below the rated voltage; going above is fine.

 

[quaddriver]

use 22uF for the 20's, 470 for the 500, 330 for the 300, 220 for the 250and use 16v for the 10's and 15, 25 for the 20, and 35 and 50 for the same and it should be good.

if its buggin ya, you can parallel 2 10's for the 20 and 2 100s for the 200

 

[Chris Lauver]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.