Sprague Capacitors — Original Stock & Cross-Reference Replacements
Sprague Electric was acquired by Vishay in 1992. Specap stocks original Sprague capacitors and provides cross-reference matching to compatible Vishay replacements for maintenance, restoration, and production requirements.
Original Sprague Inventory
Access to remaining original Sprague-branded capacitors sourced through approved legacy inventory channels.
Cross-Reference to Modern Equivalents
Spec-based matching from Sprague part numbers to current Vishay and other manufacturer replacements.
Electrolytic Specialists
Deep expertise in Sprague Atom and other electrolytic series used in audio, industrial, and vintage equipment restoration.
Fast Shipping
Same-day shipment support on eligible in-stock items with expedited delivery options.
The History of Sprague Electric Company
Founded in 1926 by Robert C. Sprague in Quincy, Massachusetts, Sprague Electric Company became one of the most recognized names in the American capacitor industry. The company relocated to North Adams, Massachusetts in 1930 and grew into a dominant force in passive component manufacturing over the next six decades.
Sprague pioneered several capacitor technologies that became industry standards. Their Sprague Atom series of aluminum electrolytic capacitors became legendary in the audio and vintage electronics restoration community for their reliability and sonic characteristics. The company also produced high-quality tantalum, ceramic, film, and mica capacitors used across military, aerospace, industrial, and consumer applications.
In 1992, Vishay Intertechnology acquired Sprague Electric. While many Sprague product lines were continued under the Vishay brand, original Sprague-branded capacitors are no longer manufactured — making NOS (new old stock) Sprague parts increasingly valuable for restoration and legacy system maintenance.
Popular Sprague Capacitor Series
| Series | Type | Common Applications | Modern Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprague Atom | Aluminum Electrolytic | Audio amplifiers, vintage tube equipment | Vishay/Sprague 500D series |
| Type 39D | Tantalum Electrolytic | Military, aerospace, precision circuits | Vishay 293D / 593D series |
| Orange Drop (715P/716P) | Polypropylene Film | Audio crossovers, guitar tone circuits | Vishay/Sprague 715P still available |
| Compulytic (36D/39D) | Computer-Grade Electrolytic | UPS systems, power supplies, drives | Vishay/Sprague 36DX series |
| Type 5MC / 5MA | Silver Mica | RF circuits, precision oscillators | Cornell Dubilier CD series |
| Sprague 53D | Screw-Terminal Electrolytic | Industrial motor drives, inverters | Vishay/Sprague 53D or KEMET ALS |
How to Cross-Reference Sprague Part Numbers
Sprague used a systematic part numbering convention. For example, a part number like 36D122G040BC2A breaks down as follows:
- 36D — Series identifier (computer-grade electrolytic)
- 122 — Capacitance code (1,200 µF)
- G — Voltage code
- 040 — Working voltage (40V)
- BC2A — Case size and terminal configuration
When the original part is discontinued, our engineering team matches the critical parameters — capacitance, voltage rating, ESR, ripple current, case dimensions, and terminal style — to identify a compatible modern replacement. Use our cross-reference tool to start a search, or request a quote with your Sprague part number for a manual cross-reference by our team.
Industries That Still Need Sprague Capacitors
Despite being discontinued for over 30 years, demand for original Sprague capacitors remains strong in several sectors:
- Vintage audio restoration — Sprague Atom and Orange Drop capacitors are preferred for restoring tube amplifiers, vintage receivers, and hi-fi equipment to original specifications.
- Military & defense maintenance — Legacy weapon systems, avionics, and communication equipment often require exact original part replacements per MIL-SPEC requirements.
- Industrial equipment — Older industrial motor drives, PLCs, and power systems built with Sprague computer-grade capacitors need form-fit-function replacements during maintenance.
- Guitar amplifiers — Sprague Orange Drop capacitors are highly sought after in the guitar community for their tonal characteristics in amplifier and pedal circuits.
- UPS systems — Many legacy uninterruptible power supplies used Sprague electrolytic capacitors in their DC bus and filtering stages.
Why Source Sprague Capacitors from Specap?
With over 40 years in the capacitor business, Specap has built relationships with legacy inventory holders, surplus dealers, and authorized distributors worldwide. When you need a Sprague capacitor, we can:
- Search our existing inventory of NOS Sprague parts
- Source through our global network of verified suppliers
- Cross-reference to a tested, compatible modern replacement
- Verify authenticity and test electrical parameters before shipping
Every capacitor we ship is electrically tested and inspected — no counterfeits, no relabeled parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Sprague capacitors still made?
No. Sprague Electric was acquired by Vishay Intertechnology in 1992. While original Sprague-branded capacitors are no longer manufactured, Specap maintains original Sprague stock and sources compatible Vishay replacements.
Who bought Sprague Electric?
Vishay Intertechnology acquired Sprague Electric in 1992. Many former Sprague product lines continue under the Vishay brand with updated specifications and modern manufacturing.
Where can I buy Sprague capacitor replacements?
Specap stocks original Sprague capacitors where available and provides cross-reference support to match Vishay and other compatible replacements for discontinued Sprague part numbers.
What are compatible alternatives to Sprague capacitors?
Vishay is the direct successor to Sprague and offers equivalent product lines. Specap can cross-reference Sprague part numbers to current Vishay, Nichicon, or other manufacturer equivalents based on your specifications.
Related Sourcing Paths
Use these pages to find replacements, request quotes, and source legacy capacitors.