OT - Metaltronix M-1000 capacitors

[AL]

I recently had my Metaltronix M-1000 head re-tubed and, considering the age of the amp, thought I would be "smart" and do some preventive maintenance and get a cap job. I also thought I was being clever by replacing the original brand of caps with Sprague's. Well, my superior intelligence has landed me with a horrible sounding amplifier. No gain, buzzy/grainy distortion, very thin sound, muddy, no note articulation etc. I've re-tubed the amp at least 8 or 9 times in the last 16 years so I'm almost 100% sure it's the caps. Unfortunately I no longer have the originals.

Does anyone know what the original capacitors were in this amp? I have the values - I need the manufacturer (Xicon?) - part #'s and even colors would be very helpful. I have shows and studio time in the very near future and no amp. It's completely un-playable in the state it is in.  Any hlep would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

AL

[Ed G.]

Those amps were designed and built by Lee Jackson, weren't they? Might do well to try to contact him.
Did you re-bias? It's possible that changing out the caps affected the bias voltage, leading to a degradation in tone and performance.

[AL]

Ed,

Thanks for the response. Yes, the amps were some early Lee Jackson models. From what I have been told they are similar to a JCM 800. I have contacted Lee Jackson and haven't heard back from him yet. But, I did contact one of the tech's listed on the Metaltronix site and he was very helpful. The original caps were WIMA's and sound far superior (to my ears) to the Spragues.

The amp was re-tubed at the time of the cap job so I don't think it's a biasing problem - but it sure sound like it. I'm going to pop in the old tubes tonight just to make sure. It was re-tubed with the same tubes I've used for the last 16 years - Groove Tube E34LS (5) and 12AX7's. So I'm pretty sure it's the caps.  

AL

[Ed G.]

WIMA caps? You talking about the smaller signal caps? I thought you changed out the power supply caps.
From what I understand, WIMA caps are pretty good.

[Prive]

You have some info here:

http://www.metaltronix.net/

Enjoy!!!

Saludos, Marcelo.