Thoughts on Capacitor Substitution Boxes

[strat57]

Ok.... I need some input for a Christmas gift Idea! Would it be beneficial to get one of these for someone??

http://www.alliedelec.com/Search/Produc ... 0043AE617F#

or is this just as good????

http://www.electronixexpress.com/kit_csbk.htm

edit: better links and item discription "Capacitance Selector"
(damn sure don't want to get the wrong thing!)

[Normster]

I've never used them, but those $18 kits look mighty tempting!

[strat57]

Wouldn't something like these make tweaking simpler? That was my initial thought. Thanks for any input.....

[Noel Grassy]

I use an ancient laborotory grade decade box that can handle massive current & it's been a godsend for everything from amps and FX pedals to mods on my SS hifi gear. I don't know the construction of the ones at Allied but the resistors in my box are massive wirewounds with what looks like shellac coating them. I would really prefer and adjustable capacitor device. But I think they only use air gapped caps for those and it would have to be pretty honkin' to give even 1000 puffs worth of adjustment.

[ApexJr.]

Strat57...

I've got a deal for you.
Do a search at Allied like your other post and look up a
Clarostat 240C Decade Capacitor. Check there specs, and
of course the price... I have 2 used ones in stock at $150.00ea

Steve @ Apex Jr.

[strat57]

I updated (edited) my original post to reflect just what I was considering as a gift. I find them on the web listed as "Capacitance Decade Box: Capacitor Substitution" or "Capacitor Substitution Box". I want to make sure I'm looking at the right thing. Wouldn't voltage rating be pretty important too? Those kits for like $20.00 don't really say what voltage they will handle or the type of caps inside.

I also seen the Resistance Decade Box..... these are not the same items correct? (Stupid question you say? Hey, I'm not an amp builder, just the "gift" giver)

Which is better for tweaking?

[ApexJr.]

Strat57...
My Mistake...
They are not the same thing, I just thought I had a good deal
and knew it was capatiance and my mind came up with Resistance.
Now I know why I don't like Moan-days

Steve @ Apex Jr.

[Noel Grassy]

Steve, That's a screamin' deal on the decade boxes. What a killer bargain for someone. How are you fixed for Sprague 'lytics?More specifically the 20 & 40 uf at 400VDC. PM me

[sliberty]

One thing to look at with these decade boxes and kits is the limits that the resistors and capacitors can handle. For example, a really good resistor box would have 3 watt resistors inside, so as to allow you to use it for cathode bias and power supply substitutions. A capacitor box should have 400v or even better 600v capacitors inside so tha tthey can be used for signal chain substitutions. This would drive the price up of course.