"Bypass caps" and their effect on perceived sound

[Davec113]

Originally Posted by Wavebourn

$300 for a pair of 470 uF? No thank you, I will better shunt pair of electrolytics by a pair of 4 uF caps.

I have a small amp so the prices weren't too bad, two 110 uF caps are $100. I am also running motor run caps in parallel to increase capacitance at a lower cost. But removing the electrolytic was a huge improvement. From my limited experience, the TC series caps are a huge improvement over a bypassed electrolytic, which was also the case in my preamp...

The other factor is that with the TC series caps you don't need as much capacitance, so you could likely get away with using the ~200 uF caps instead...

People spend all sorts of money on stuff that makes tiny differences... this is a HUGE improvement over running electrolytics, with or without bypasses. I spent $180 on the TC series caps in my amp and preamp, IMO it was one of the best bang for the buck upgrades I've ever done.

[hemgjord]

Originally Posted by Davec113

The other factor is that with the TC series caps you don't need as much capacitance, so you could likely get away with using the ~200 uF caps instead...

They have an alternative definition of Farad?

[Davec113]

Originally Posted by hemgjord

They have an alternative definition of Farad?

lol, with PS caps there isn't just one value that will work out... do your own research on the subject if it interests you rather than making snide remarks.

[andyjevans]

One person's snide remarks is another person's healthy sarcasm!

[hemgjord]

Sorry, couldn't resist.
The capacitance value needed for desired ripple rejection in a given circuit is not really open for debate.
As for sound quality, everything is open...

/Olof

[Shoog]

Then there is the size to consider - after cost. My amps are big enough without bulky film caps in the power supply.

Bypassing works for me.

Shoog

[soulmerchant]

Originally Posted by Rush

You guys not aware of Walt Jung and Richard Marsh work on this issue back in the late seventies? Dig up the Audio Ameteur issue.
Use a 4.7 , .47, .047 (.1) uF film caps across the power supply caps.
This was after extensive testing and listening.

Rush

A+ This works, however you can get carried away with it. Today I just make space in my projects for film and avoid electrolytics as much as possible.

[Wavebourn]

I replaced electolyics in 16-channel TOA console by metalized films. Now it weights twice more, so when I go to remote locations I borrow some small Behringer mixer. It dos not sound so real, but at least is much easier to carry.

[soulmerchant]

asc x386s are very good and still affordable. If you want to spend more then search out some GE oil filled capacitors.

40uF, 25uF, 10uF are all values that I like to use. Higher values seem to create a darker sound and dampen transients - but maybe it is just me. I use chokes..

[andyjevans]

I agree with soulmerchant - I also use 10uF and 40uF and sometimes 4uF for a lower HT. I also use chokes - two when I can. I bought a whole lot of 40uf and put them in parallel when I need to, or usually just use a small dropper resistor between them.