> Now I'm going to add filter caps. What I'm unsure of here is 
> if 10v-ratings will work, or if 0.5 volts is a way too small 
> safety margin. I have big (~4000uF) 10v-caps in my junkbox, 
> and since the junkbox serve a purpose (using older but 
> working components) I feel that I want to pick those instead 
> of new 16v-rated caps instead.


Use 2 caps in series, that'll give you a 20v 4000uF cap, give you a reason
for having a junk box, and save you having to buy 16v ones.  

As Wouter pointed out, an unloaded (or lightly loaded) transformer can put
out a voltage way above what the nameplate says.  12v-16v wouldn't be too
much of a surprise.

Tony

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