Compact signal coupling caps - the lesser evil?

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theAnonymous1

theAnonymous1

Member
Joined 2004
As we all know, "good" signal coupling caps tend to be large..... very large. Which of the below caps would be considered to be the best of this bad bunch? I know this is a subjective topic, but I don't want this to turn into another big cap debate (I know, odd request considering the topic).

SMD X7R
SMD Tantalum
Electrolytic (Like Panasonic FC/FM, not exotics like balckgate)
Sanyo OSCON
WIMA MKS (PET)
 
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jcx

Member
Joined 2003
Cyril Batemann measured distortion in "capacitor Sound" articles - for big C his recommendation is non-polar Al electrolytic with generous V rating 35 V+ for signal levels, 2 such Caps in series were better for signals larger than a few V

the former audiophile recommendation of biased series polar caps didn't measure as well


all film caps measured better than the best electrolytic


other considerations might include the physical size - a large loop formed by soup can sized audiophile caps could easliy form better attennas for EMI


any DC bias turns a Cap into a microphone - again audiophile wound film/foil caps could be worse on this charateristic
 
G

grenert

Member
Joined 2008
If going surface mount, I'd suggest Panasonic ECP-U (available from Digikey) or Cornell Dubilier FCA (available from Mouser). I know they go up to at least 1.0 uF. I've used these in portable devices to good effect. FWIW, my ears find MKS disagreeable in a signal coupling function. Don't forget about Elna Silmic II. These are cheap and available in big uF sizes. They're among my favorites for headphone coupling.
 
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