PS caps in parallel

[Bill Fitzpatrick]

For PS filters I could use 10, 3900mfd caps in parallel or 1, 39000mfd cap. Any advantage/disadvantage for the parallel configuration?

[sam9]

My non-expert opinion:
If the input stage of the amp has good PSRR, minor advantages or disadvantages to a particular PS should be ignorable. I think the choice is probably better made by considering cost and pysical dimensions. What will better fit in your planned enclosure.

[planet10]

Originally posted by Bill Fitzpatrick
For PS filters I could use 10, 3900mfd caps in parallel or 1, 39000mfd cap. Any advantage/disadvantage for the parallel configuration?

The muliple caps should, in theory, have a lower ESR which is a good thing.

dave

[ALW]

The only obvious disadvantage is the leakage current is increased for each parallel cap.

Whether this is relevant, or larger than when using a single large capacitor is dependant upon the capacitor choice, but it will increase quiescent current flows in the PSU wiring, which could have sonically degrading effects, particularly if leakage current has an AC content.

Andy.

[promitheus]

It depends on the individual caps. What ESR and Series inductance the small ones and the big one have.

It depends on the circuit we want to supply with power.
A class AB amplifier has a great advantage with a fast PSU with low ESR and low L but a single ended class A will have small benefits.

For space one big one is an advantage. For the price probably the small ones are cheaper.

[LesW]

It's not a good idea to parallel large caps. Best if doing so to introduce a small series inductor into the rails to avoid a problem arising when the caps' internal inductance and capacitance combine to form a resonant circuit. This leaves "holes" in the power supply response which are readily audible.

LesW

[capslock]

This is really the first time I hear about this, and it does seem strange. Could you elaborate a little?

Eric