Best replacement for black gate 100uF N 50v cap

[folkeb]

I just recieved new from partsconnexion that they have sold out of black gate N 100uF 50v caps. This is very unfortunate as I was planning to build a parallel version of Peter Daniels gainclone (using his pcbs). I have a stereo version up and running and it is wonderful with the BG N caps - they were a big improvement to the standard panasonics supplied in the kit. Now I can't source similar parts and it seems that I will have to build a parallel version using other caps. It is rather frustrating that BG are discontinued as they really have improved the sound in my alephs, preamp and my DAC...

1.
Are there any caps that have similar sonics to the BG N cap?

2.
Would parallelling a BG standard with a smaller value of BG N or film cap be a good approach?

3.
Would it be possible to use 70uF instead of 100uF? As in one very big film cap. (so long for the small enclosure)

Thanks for any answers.

[poynton]

The type which is supposed to be as good as black gate, at least in some applications, is Conductive polymer, for example SANYO SEP OSCON CAPACITORS.

I have not tried these as yet but have some on order.

Andy

[sq225917]

rubycon ZL sound very similar as coupling caps.

[Panelhead]

You will neeed to order few few more than two, but look at the Rubycon ZLG or ZLH at mouser/farnell. These are better than the BG in my mind if the application is decoupling.


George

[folkeb]

Thanks for the answers. Would the Rubycons be any good as a replacement for the BG N in Peter Daniels gainclone? Perhaps I should give them a test, maybe a few different values and parallelled with some MKPs...

It seems strange that Black gate N series are so superior to everything else on the market, but then again the market can't be that good as they stopped production.

I also have a few Simens sikorel 2200uF laying about, I think I'll try the cans just to see the effect they have on the sonics. I've understood that the magic of the midrange will most likely disapear with 2200uF, but why not. While I'm at it I'll bypass them with some fancy foil caps and see if this does anything.

[Destroyer OS.]

Test the Rubycon's to see if the can is isolated from the inside, if it is try this like in the picture, wire around the cans grounding them. It removes the induced charge and causes more filtering (much smoother sound which is what the Rubycon's have been criticized for).



Those are type N's in the picture and have to admit they sound amazing.

[Pano]

Panasonic FM series are my favs. Great HF performance and a neutral sound. Is that what was supplied?
I've always liked the Panny FM over the BG so I'm curious.

[Destroyer OS.]

FC's have been supplied but FM's might be a better choice now or not.

FC's are very low ESR

FM's are low ESR but much lower impedance

[Pano]

Thanks for info! I certainly like the FM better, but they are much bigger and come in a more limited number of values than the FC series.

[BrianDonegan]

Originally posted by panomaniac
Thanks for info! I certainly like the FM better, but they are much bigger and come ina limited number of values than the FC series.

FMs are typically smaller and cheaper (less money) than their FC equivalent.