Difference between X2 caps and others

Stuey · 4th May 2007, 11:40 AM

Hi there,

What's the difference between metallised polypropylene X2 mains caps and other supposedly higher quality (for audio) metallised polypropylene caps?

It just that I've seen polyprop speaker crossover caps branded in the name of a driver maker which look very suspiciously like X2 caps that have been dipped in a black resin and then branded.

Cheers

Stuey

Tweeker · 4th May 2007, 12:08 PM

The difference is that X2 must meet strict regulatory requirements with regard to durability and failure modes. How the cap fails is a very important part of these requirements. Its quite conceivable that they get labeled and sold as something other than line caps.

A higher quality (signal wise) film and foil cap might not meet them, but be a better choice for audio.

Tweeker · 4th May 2007, 12:28 PM

CAPACITORS FOR RFI SUPPRESSION OF THE AC LINE:

Stuey · 4th May 2007, 01:24 PM

Sorry, Tweeker, I didn't really explain myself properly. I know what they are, and their increased voltage and spike tolerance, but I was wondering if they could also be a reasonable low cost polyprop for audio use? Or at least, as bypass caps for the smoothing electrolytics in a regulated power supply where they don't carry audio frequencies.

I would almost bet those I'd seen sold as crossover caps would be X2's. They look identical in shape and size as far as I can figure.

Thanks for the info.

Stuey

Tweeker · 4th May 2007, 01:36 PM

I dont see why not, Im sure they beat most elcos at least.

Theres a heavy tax to be paid for the word audio.

Stuey · 6th May 2007, 01:14 AM

Thanks Tweeker...my thoughts, too.

poobah · 6th May 2007, 01:34 AM

You may find the tolerance of X2 caps a little loose for crossover app's.

Nordic · 6th May 2007, 07:40 AM

Just remembered the filter caps in my preamp are all made with those boxy x2 caps.... no problems... if you have a capacitance meter it is easy enough to measure off a few set..

Stuey · 6th May 2007, 12:34 PM

Yes, I wasn't thinking of crossover use; that was just mentioned because the Visaton branded crossover caps look very much like X2's, as mentioned.

I can't talk though - my prototype Peerless/Vifa two ways use paralleled greencaps (mylar film) at the moment!

Nordic, that's what I was thinking of using them for. Bypassing the smoothing caps in a pre-amp power supply.

Cheers

Stuey

Nordic · 6th May 2007, 07:15 PM

I even have them on signal duty... Evox Riva if I remember correctly...

4th May 2007, 11:40 AM	#1
Stuey diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Perth, Western Australia	Difference between X2 caps and others Hi there, What's the difference between metallised polypropylene X2 mains caps and other supposedly higher quality (for audio) metallised polypropylene caps? It just that I've seen polyprop speaker crossover caps branded in the name of a driver maker which look very suspiciously like X2 caps that have been dipped in a black resin and then branded. Cheers Stuey

4th May 2007, 12:08 PM	#2
Tweeker diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio	The difference is that X2 must meet strict regulatory requirements with regard to durability and failure modes. How the cap fails is a very important part of these requirements. Its quite conceivable that they get labeled and sold as something other than line caps. A higher quality (signal wise) film and foil cap might not meet them, but be a better choice for audio. __________________ Be sure your foil hat has a good low impedance ground.

4th May 2007, 12:28 PM	#3
Tweeker diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio	CAPACITORS FOR RFI SUPPRESSION OF THE AC LINE: __________________ Be sure your foil hat has a good low impedance ground.

4th May 2007, 01:36 PM	#5
Tweeker diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio	I dont see why not, Im sure they beat most elcos at least. Theres a heavy tax to be paid for the word audio. __________________ Be sure your foil hat has a good low impedance ground.

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4th May 2007, 01:24 PM	#4
Stuey diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Perth, Western Australia	Sorry, Tweeker, I didn't really explain myself properly. I know what they are, and their increased voltage and spike tolerance, but I was wondering if they could also be a reasonable low cost polyprop for audio use? Or at least, as bypass caps for the smoothing electrolytics in a regulated power supply where they don't carry audio frequencies. I would almost bet those I'd seen sold as crossover caps would be X2's. They look identical in shape and size as far as I can figure. Thanks for the info. Stuey

6th May 2007, 01:14 AM	#6
Stuey diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Perth, Western Australia	Thanks Tweeker...my thoughts, too.

6th May 2007, 01:34 AM	#7
poobah diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2005	You may find the tolerance of X2 caps a little loose for crossover app's.

6th May 2007, 07:40 AM	#8
Nordic diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2005	Just remembered the filter caps in my preamp are all made with those boxy x2 caps.... no problems... if you have a capacitance meter it is easy enough to measure off a few set..

6th May 2007, 12:34 PM	#9
Stuey diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Perth, Western Australia	Yes, I wasn't thinking of crossover use; that was just mentioned because the Visaton branded crossover caps look very much like X2's, as mentioned. I can't talk though - my prototype Peerless/Vifa two ways use paralleled greencaps (mylar film) at the moment! Nordic, that's what I was thinking of using them for. Bypassing the smoothing caps in a pre-amp power supply. Cheers Stuey

6th May 2007, 07:15 PM	#10
Nordic diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2005	I even have them on signal duty... Evox Riva if I remember correctly...

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