i think its time i start playing with caps

[ryuji]

for my power filters im using 10uF american manufactured PIO and generic 47 uf low esr electrolytic capacitors. i dont think there is much need to change those around

my amplifier has 6 channels so i would like to avoid really expensive capacitors if possible.

i understand capacitor choice is up to the amplifier, and the ears of the individual person. just want to start a list of capacitors to buy a handful of and try out.

I am currently using K40y-9 0.01/0.1uF and K42y-2 0.022uF . Just purchased replacement to have all K40y-9's Also presently using Audiophiler MKP 3.3 uF caps for the output of my pre into my driver tubes

Im interested in sampling capacitors that both introduce character and ones that are 'clean' to the signal

curious about the russian K73 series of PETP, anyone used them? they seem awfully cheap to acquire and may be worth trying out some time

[SY]

PETP is a slightly improved variant of Mylar, FWIW. If you want coloration, paper is certainly the way to go, especially as they age. For neutrality, a good polyprop cap is as transparent as it gets. Film/foil for high current applications, metallized film for small-signal coupling. Stick to major brands- so called "audiophile caps" are nearly always overpriced and often are quite poor quality.

[Jeb-D.]

I suggest trying some Wima MKP4's. I've used quite a few budget caps (including K40/k42 PIO's) and these are my favorite so far. They do best when not operated much beyond %50 of the voltage rating. Also, beware of Chinese knock-offs frequently found on Ebay. Capacitors, Resistors, Connectors, LED, Varistors from WIMA, AOP, PIHER, NEMCO, FISHER, CAPAX, ARCO, SAURO, SFI is a good place to buy from if you live in the states.

[ryuji]

SY told me what i mostly need to know when it comes to choosing chemistry, now its down to brand. I started with K40's because my friend that introduced me to tube amps said he loves them but now its time for me to experiment and possibly 'find' my favorites

he also sent me a grab bag full of various capacitors, theres some WIMA in there for sure, and other brands i recall are sprague and good-all. whole lot of others too

catch is they vary widely in rated capacitance. not very scientific a comparison if your floating around with your high pass filter at the same time as your capacitor brand

[cyclecamper]

This looks great, as I want to replace the non-polar electrolytics in my 5 identical stereo amps. I don't want to pay exhorbitant specialty audiophile prices, I just want good components for a good price.

I was looking at the Wima MKP4 from that link,
Capacitors, Resistors, Connectors, LED, Varistors from WIMA, AOP, PIHER, NEMCO, FISHER, CAPAX, ARCO, SAURO, SFI
and darn if I can figure out how to order. I need quantity 10 capacitors, at least 4.7 microfarad or larger. My rail is +/- 87v so I guess 100 - 250 v. would work.

[HollowState]

Capacitor brands I have used and like are Wima, Siemens, ERO/Roderstein (all German) and Rifa from Sweden. I've heard that the Rusky teflons are good too, although I've never tried them.

[Rodeodave]

Sprague Orange Drops 716p are polypropylene film and foil, with copper leads. Same goes for Illinois Capacitor MPW series apparently.
Capacitor Sound by Cyril bateman is recommended reading, very entertaining.

[john dozier]

Parts Express has some very good sounding polyprop and foil. Also the Rel-cap Thetas from the same vendor are highly thought of. The PEs are CHEAP! The Rel are a little more expensive.

[ryuji]

wow this thread got dug up from quite some time ago.

my k40y-9's arrived long ago and i tossed them in. I've decided that the k42's nowhere near compete with the k40y-9's. even before the break-in period the difference between months old/broken in k42 and brand 'new' k40y's in there place was night and day

-- also noticed that for some reason my bias is more stable now on my 807's. k42's must have been leaky?

bought some PETP russian NOS caps too, got a stockpile of common values for $50 haven't tried them yet (60x0.1, 25x0.22, 20x0.47, 8x1uF, and 6x2 uF )
ill try them out in my headphone amp ill be eventually building

atm my funds are tight and my tube projects are on ice for a bit

[vacuphile]

Originally Posted by Rodeodave

Sprague Orange Drops 716p are polypropylene film and foil, with copper leads. Same goes for Illinois Capacitor MPW series apparently.
Capacitor Sound by Cyril bateman is recommended reading, very entertaining.

Rodeodave, thanks for pointing out a great read. Highly recommended!