|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
24.240.62.187
In Reply to: RE: Full-sounding coupling caps posted by Maril555 on April 11, 2015 at 06:23:16
For coupling duty, you do not need to exactly match the value of the cap you are replacing. They really don't even need to be matched between channels as in a speaker crossover. If the ZN is 5uF, a 4.7uF replacement will function just as well.
Avoid paralleling capacitors in coupling duty, either input or output. You will probably obtain better sound by using the best single film cap. It's possible to combine different film caps for line level coupling, but they don't always "add up" the way you might expect, and they might even detract from each other. Takes a LOT of experimentation.
Peace,
Tom E
Follow Ups:
I've done a lot of reading for whatever it's worth.
Many of the caps, I'd like to use, are either not available in the values, I need, or too big to fit in.
Pretty much leaves me with Mundorf Silver/oil
Any opinions?
We have such a vast body of information available. Sometimes it's hard to determine BS from valid advice, who really knows what and who merely likes to repeat second-hand info. I'm not claiming any special expertise, but I have done a LOT of research and a lot of my own experimentation with various boutique caps in coupling line level and crossover duties.
I did a little research on your behalf. If you want to try paralleling two caps to obtain the correct value and superior performance, you need to start somewhere and do your own trials. I suggest you buy a superb quality small value cap such as V-cap CuTF at the largest value that will fit your available space. You now have Mundorf ZN 4.7uF (there is no 5uF available that I could find; I wonder where you got that value?) which is listed at 26mm x 39mm, 1" dia x 1.5" L. You could get a 0.22uF CuTF V-cap for a hundred bucks each if you buy a pair at Parts Connexion during their current sale. They are 0.75" dia x 1.5" L, a perfect fit! You could try combining that wonderful cap with some cheaper, 4.7uF, lesser quality but still decent caps such as Clarity ESA or Sonicap Gen I, both available for under $20 each, both 1" dia x appx 1.5" L. The better quality cap mounts to the board (shorter leads) with the cheaper cap riding piggyback, securely attached (tape wrap?) and wired in parallel to get the correct total value. There are probably others to try, but your own experimentation will determine the best combo.
Then you can come back here and share with us all you've learned.
Peace,
Tom E
The best use for Mundorf SIO is in tweeter crossover, where they are perhaps the best cap available.
I tried them as coupling cap in my power amps. The highs were incredibly detailed and smooth, with plenty of air and 3D spatial qualities. Mids were also superbly spacious and detailed, but a bit thin. The bass was snappy and tight but attenuated, so much so that it almost hollowed out the lower midrange. Based on your initial post, that would be the LAST cap you will want. It has so many excellent qualities, but a full, rich midrange is definitely not one. I would venture that you don't want silver anywhere in your signal path if you seek a fuller sound. Stick with copper.
Please provide more information about the application. Is this input or output coupling? Perhaps you can get away with a smaller value that would make it easier to find a cap that will fit. How much room is there? Can you use two smaller identical caps in parallel, stacked up? Can you mount them off the PCB and still keep leads short? The cap value you require depends on the impedance of the next stage the signal sees. If it is input coupling, that means the input impedance of the preamp. What is it? If it is output coupling, that means the next device (I assume power amp) in the signal chain. What is that input impedance?
If no decent single cap can be made to fit, then you might need to explore using a small lower grade cap, or even whatever is in there now, and paralleling with a small value (1/10 - 1/100) high grade cap that can be affixed to the larger cap. It will require some experimentation to find a compatible combination. Neither cap should be a Mundorf, as I have found they don't seem to couple well with other caps in line level apps. You might consider starting with a Sonicap Gen I, which is pretty compact and has decent midrange by itself, and using a polystyrene or copper foil/film cap for the parallel. A single cap is still the best option, but if it just won't go then try something else.
Peace,
Tom E
Tom,
What do you think of Duelund CAST Cu of either 0.1uF, or 0.22 uF for the bypass? And what larger cap would they pair well with?
Tom,
Thanks a lot, really great info.
Especially with regards to Mundorf SIO. I read everything there is to read
about them, but apparently there is no substitute for the actual hands- on experience.
I will need 4 of 5uF caps for the line stage and 4 of 1 uF for the phono section.
Person, doing the modifications for me (and he is very experienced) also suggested V-cap Polypropylene SIO bypassed with 0.1 uF of V-cap CuFT for the line stage.
What's your opinion on this combo?
1 uF for the phono is more flexible due to the smaller size of the cap needed.
I was actually thinking of Audyn True Copper for that position, they fit just fine size-wise.
I'd really appreciate your opinion on this idea.
it is a full- function preamp with built- in phono, balanced design.
I don't want to name the brand, but is a high quality, expensive piece of gear, with retail of $25,000.
Thanks again
I actually meant to say "V-cap Polypropylene OIMP, bypassed by V-cap CuFT
Wow this is not my thread...but good info. Tom E, Thanks~D
Wherever you go there you are.
Edits: 04/14/15
Post a Followup:
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: