PSU Capacitor Selection

[cbj591]

Good morning all,

Quick question

In making Tube preamp/amp power supplies, are there preferences over what type and brand of Filter capacitors to use?

I would be using Tube rectification

Electrolytic or Film?

Super-cheap or Mid-priced.

Thanks
Brian

[DF96]

Different people will give you very different answers. You then have to decide which one is right. To some extent the answer will depend on preamp vs amp, and SE vs. PP. The thing to remember is that the correct component value will always be more important than the correct 'brand' (but some might even dispute that!).

[piano3]

Low ESR electrolytics are fine, conservatively rated in voltage, but if you are using tube rectification keep the value of the first one small; 4-16uF can be a good choice if you have plenty of voltage from your power transformer. Film caps are a luxury but are most effective if they are the last cap before the load.

[MFF]

I am using the very good ELNA Cerafine capacitors that I love.
The ELNA Cerafine capacitors contain super fine ceramic particles which, through chemical reaction, improve the discharging speed between the anode and electrolyte with very low distortion.

[Klaatu]

Originally Posted by MFF

The ELNA Cerafine capacitors contain super fine ceramic particles which, through chemical reaction, improve the discharging speed between the anode and electrolyte with very low distortion.

I freely confess to be a novice at this, but when I see statements like the one above I can't help but smile. It sounds like marketing hype gone mad !

So we are supposed to believe that a chemical reaction between two non-conducting materials (ceramic particals and the electrolyte) has a beneficial effect on sound and distortion ?

Also, unless I am more confused that I thought I was, any charge in a capacitor is between the plates, and not between the electrolyte and the anode.

I'm very happy to be rubbished over this, but please explain what I have misunderstood, if anything ?

[MFF]

Non Marketing Man Here!!!
You can laugh as you want... but in my amplifiers I only use these types of capacitors! still have not found any capacitors as good as these, maybe the black gate but I have no experience with them.

and yes the ceramic makes all the difference!!!
super fine ceramic particles adopted in the fibers of the electrolytic separating paper. Charge/discharge speeds are improved, distortions are reduced (less potential variations due to electro-chemical action of the ceramic), and electrical noise generated by external vibration is suppressed. This reproduces excellent sound with real concert-hall presence, resolution, power, good presence in the low range and less distortion in the mid and high ranges.

[data]

I have only used Cerafine's in the signal path in the main amp board of a SS amp I have, but I can say that they are a nice electrolytic cap, very dynamic and detailed.
The materials used in caps do make a difference one way or another, as they pretty much all sound different.

[rhing]

I have used Elna Silmic II in cathode bypass applications, but I've had a Naim SS amp that used Cerafines in the power supply and in the signal path, and the amp was very musical. Whether the ceramic particles in the Cerafines or silk fibers in the Silmic IIs contribute to the overall audio quality, I do not know. What I do know is they didn't make the projects sound bad.

For DIY tube power supplies, I've been very happy with Panasonic ED and TS-ED (snap-in type). I can buy these at good prices from Digi-Key, and they're rated for long life and 105 degrees Celsius.

[aardvarkash10]

rotflmfao!

In order....

Originally Posted by MFF

Non Marketing Man Here!!!
You can laugh as you want... but in my amplifiers I only use these types of capacitors! still have not found any capacitors as good as these, maybe the black gate but I have no experience with them.

1 - you compare your preferred caps to ones you have never used. Cool - nice to see a realsitic reference point. By logical deduction, the cerafines are the best you have used because they are the only ones you have used.

Originally Posted by MFF

super fine ceramic particles adopted in the fibers of the electrolytic separating paper. Charge/discharge speeds are improved, distortions are reduced (less potential variations due to electro-chemical action of the ceramic), and electrical noise generated by external vibration is suppressed. This reproduces excellent sound with real concert-hall presence, resolution, power, good presence in the low range and less distortion in the mid and high ranges.

This pagevomit is a direct c&p from Elna's own marketing statements. Nice to see that you have an opinion, even if you have to borrow it.

Don't get me wrong - I'm sure that the cerafines are a competent cap when used in the right location. But really, if you are going to deny your marketing attachments and claim some independance its best to distance yourself a little further from the product makers copy...

[Poindexter]

Cerafines are okay. Black Gate (if they are still available) are substantially better. Best I have found are Panasonic TSHA, TSHB, TSED. Thank yew J.C. Just incidentally, they are small, tough, have minimal break in, and are between $5 - $10 each.

Hurt yourself if you must, but these are the mutha for ya.

Aloha,

Poinz
AudioTropic