Cap types and sound quality

[Circlotron]

Article based on engineering facts.
Link

[jcx]

-with a premise of only considering crap to begin with

no one interested in quality would consider "class 2" ceramic in a audio signal path

even mylar would be superior and avaliable in 1210 pkg at the tested 1 uF, 16 V value

likely even al electro of 10uF value would be superior in similar case size

[Nordic]

The article was good I think.

It clearly relates to PC sound hardware, states the obvious footprint problem, and serves as a guide to manufacturers as to which of the components available in that size would produce the lowest THD etc...

I.e. not which cap is the best, but which carateristics would make one cheap (mass production utilisation) capacitor a better choice than the next with the goal being Vista Certification.

When considering capacitors for the audio-signal path, select capacitors with X7R dielectrics for better THD performance. Although X5R dielectrics outperform Y5V dielectrics, X7R dielectrics offer the best—that is, lowest—THD among Class 2 dielectrics.

The space, height, and cost restrictions typically associated with portable consumer electronics force the use of passive components with small footprints, low profiles, and low cost. When you use them for audio-signal coupling, some small-footprint, low-profile, low-cost passive components can limit low-frequency THD performance in audio circuits. However, doing so compromises audio sound quality and jeopardizes Vista compliance. Despite their slight footprint and price premium, large-footprint ceramic capacitors with high voltage ratings and X7R dielectrics are the best choice for all passive components in the signal path for a Vista-compliant audio design.

[AndrewT]

Hi,
this doc starts with the premiss that only HiK ceranic will fit the footprint left available on the pcb.

Seems she is recommending the best of a bad lot.

I note that the spec she is trying to meet limits frequency response (and distortion measurement targets) to -3db at 20Hz and there are some other specs that cut off at 100Hz.

What happened to the CD bass rolloff of -3db at 4Hz?
Is the DVD bass response even lower down at about 1Hz or 2Hz.

Looks like microsoft and maxim are aiming pretty low with their premium audio systems.

[jacco vermeulen]

diyA DIY PC sound card anyone ?

[Nordic]

Most diy PC sound cards sem to be offboard, so free from the restrictions...portable media is another matter...

[Tweeker]

The Vista compliance shackles take up a whole lot of the board space.

[Circlotron]

My interest in the article was not regarding ultimate fidelity, but that it sets out good reasons why not all capacitors sound the same.

[jacco vermeulen]

Vista ? Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek

http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2...he-book-p1.php