auricap Vs musicap (Another Cap Question)

[dubdub]

Hi

Has anyone had experience in comparing these two coupling caps? I know the musciap is more expensive so is there any extra sonic benefit?

Thanks for the advice

[dantwomey]

Here's two articles:

Humble Cap Test


VHAudio's Capacitor Shootout

Regards,
Dan

[KP11520]

Hi,

Why go to Chris and Tony when DaveT did his own tests here with a lot of help with the forum! At least give it a quick read. There are a few surprises and some great values and info! This info might help shape your choices for your own test(s). Then read the others!

But always remember...YMMV, so you can't assume you will get the same results (regardless of who shared their findings) without your own tests in your own circuits!

Tripath Input Coupling Caps

Good luck!

Regards//Keith

[TubeHead Johnny]

The best way to pick a cap is to start with cheap ones and slowly work your way up until you're happy. Listen to each cap at least for a few days before moving on. I always get different results due to the actual amp circuit I'm using at the time. And I've found some great buys along the way. Dayton (PartsExpress) sells a good PFF cap for only $1.39, and it sounds great in a KT66 PP that I've built.

[dantwomey]

Originally posted by dubdub
Hi

Has anyone had experience in comparing these two coupling caps? I know the musciap is more expensive so is there any extra sonic benefit?

Thanks for the advice

I just had a very positive experience with the Obbligato mentioned in the HumbleAudio test. Very cost effective too.

Regards,
Dan

[Rodango]

Don't forget the Russian mil-spec teflon capacitors. These are my personal favorites and their prices are still reasonable.

[Jeb-D.]

Musicaps are film and foil construction. Auricap is metalized film. Film an foil is theoretically better, but tends to be much larger than it's metalized equivalent. Although I have never compared them back to back, I can bet the musicap would sound better in some applications and the auricap sounds better in other applications. It really comes down to how the caps characteristics blend with the rest of the system. A bright sounding amp may benefit from a mellow cap where as a mellow amp may sound better with a bright cap.

[bigwill]

[TubeHead Johnny]

PFF's will always sound better than MF's IMHO. But if you need anything bigger than a 0.47uF @ 400V, a metalized cap is the only practical way to go.

[dantwomey]

Originally posted by Jeb-D.
It really comes down to how the caps characteristics blend with the rest of the system. A bright sounding amp may benefit from a mellow cap where as a mellow amp may sound better with a bright cap.

An excellent point. I just took a bright system. Installed a more mellow cap. And got a better balance for me.

Regards,
Dan