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Hi,
Apologies if this has been asked before, I had a quick look and couldnt find anything.
Regarding the attached image and the cable ties across the length of the output caps.. assuming its to reduce microphonics. I'm wondering how affective this is, and how it was arrived at .. in other words, is it a solution for a real problem?.
Thanks,
Shane
Follow Ups:
Hi Shane,
When an AC signal is applied to a capacitor, internal forces develop because of attraction and repulsion of electrical charged parts. These forces cause the capacitor to vibrate with the signal. In some cases you can actually hear the signal as the capacitor vibrates. Usually (always ??) a capacitor that mechanically vibrates will vary its capacitance with the vibration because the physical distances between the capacitor's plates vary. This variation in capacitance results in an audible coloration or characteristic – a sonic signature.
There are several different structures possible for making a capacitor - for example stacking layers of alternating conductors and dielectrics, or rolling conductors and dielectric, jelly roll style. Some of these structures are more prone to vibrate than others. Also, there are treatments that can be applied to the capacitors to dampen the vibration. For example, in the case of a jelly roll capacitor, it will expand and contract its diameter when vibrating and a tightly wrapped corset can minimize the vibration.
There are many factors in addition to a capacitors propensity to vibrate when choosing a capacitor. In the final assessment, it all comes down to how it sounds. So when I voice a circuit, I try many capacitors to find the one that provides the sound that I like best. Could I be so bold as to call it the best sound? Part of the evaluation involves experimenting with things like dampening vibration. I have tried several techniques and have found that wrapping the Cardas capacitor that I preferred with cable ties was effective and easy to implement. The result is a noticeable improvement to the sound.
Dave
Thanks Dave,
Great explanation and something that is easy to try.
Seems like it might have the same result as potting the capacitor (as a finished product) in a cylinder filled with wax.. but so much quicker and neater.
Again, Thanks.
Shane
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