anyone ever used metalized polypropylene caps from Digi-key?

crtubes · 26th February 2005, 08:10 AM

Digi-key is selling mkps from 3 manufactures:

Panasonic - ECG
BC Components
EPCOS Inc

MKPs from them are cheap. But there're rarely discussions about these caps. how do they sound compare to, let's say, the same cheap MKPs from Solen, Dayton, etc?

wrenchone · 27th February 2005, 10:11 PM

The end terminations are very good on the Panasonic caps. If you get the right series, they are rated for low loss/high ripple current. I don't know how that translates to sound quality, though.
I'm currently using GE and Sprague low loss polypropylenes in my preamp, as I had them on hand. I haven't done any comparisons with other caps, though this preamp sounds loads more detailed than my old Nikko, which had about 5 electrolytics in series with the signal chain...

gingertube · 28th February 2005, 01:44 AM

The "Metalised" Poypropylene are what are commonly known as "Film" types. My experience is that as far as sonics are concerned the "Film and Foil" types are superior. Unfortunately the "Film and Foil" types are often not available in the higher voltage ratings (ie above say 400V).

On the subject of capacitors I have had very good results recently using Polyphenylene Sulphide (PPS). This is the dielectric which was introduced to replace Polycarbonate when it dissappeared from the marketplace BUT I feel that they are far better than Polycarbonate ever was. Especially good for paralleling electrolytics ro miantain high frequency behaviour. The other thing about them for valve circuitry is the 125 to 150 degrees C temperature rating. Once again ONLY available ro about 400V rating. Half the price of Polypropylene for at least 90-95% of its performance.

Cheers,
Ian

Sch3mat1c · 28th February 2005, 04:41 AM

I've been wondering about them myself. How many volts of 50kHz do you suppose they could handle before melting?

Tim

gingertube · 28th February 2005, 05:33 AM

I assume you mean the PPS - the short answer, to put it in the OZ vernacular is "DUNO".
The ones I use are Evox Rifa SMR Series. Check out their web pages.
Cheers,
Ian

Joe Rasmussen · 15th September 2005, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gingertube
I assume you mean the PPS - the short answer, to put it in the OZ vernacular is "DUNO".
The ones I use are Evox Rifa SMR Series. Check out their web pages.
Cheers,
Ian

Hi Ian

I am in Sydney. Where in Oz are you getting SMR caps? I am trying to find a local supplier, local as in Australia rather o/seas.

Joe R.

gingertube · 15th September 2005, 11:47 PM

G'day Joe,
I bought mine from Farnell (small quantities so I was'nt fussed about paying the mark up).
One of the advantages to working for a big company is that I have access to tools like Australian Electronics Directory Plus. It tells me that the Oz importers for Evox Rifa are:
Connektron P/L,
Phone Sydney 9597-6411
Web www.connecktron.com.au
Cheers,
Ian

26th February 2005, 08:10 AM	#1
crtubes diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: mimicity	anyone ever used metalized polypropylene caps from Digi-key? Digi-key is selling mkps from 3 manufactures: Panasonic - ECG BC Components EPCOS Inc MKPs from them are cheap. But there're rarely discussions about these caps. how do they sound compare to, let's say, the same cheap MKPs from Solen, Dayton, etc?

28th February 2005, 01:44 AM	#3
gingertube diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Adelaide South Oz	Polypropylene Caps The "Metalised" Poypropylene are what are commonly known as "Film" types. My experience is that as far as sonics are concerned the "Film and Foil" types are superior. Unfortunately the "Film and Foil" types are often not available in the higher voltage ratings (ie above say 400V). On the subject of capacitors I have had very good results recently using Polyphenylene Sulphide (PPS). This is the dielectric which was introduced to replace Polycarbonate when it dissappeared from the marketplace BUT I feel that they are far better than Polycarbonate ever was. Especially good for paralleling electrolytics ro miantain high frequency behaviour. The other thing about them for valve circuitry is the 125 to 150 degrees C temperature rating. Once again ONLY available ro about 400V rating. Half the price of Polypropylene for at least 90-95% of its performance. Cheers, Ian

28th February 2005, 04:41 AM	#4
Sch3mat1c diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Milwaukee, WI	I've been wondering about them myself. How many volts of 50kHz do you suppose they could handle before melting? Tim __________________ See my Electronics webpage -- the home of Vacuum Tube Drag Racing. The key to being a successful Audiophile: "I reject your reality and substitute my own!"

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27th February 2005, 10:11 PM	#2
wrenchone diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Silicon Valley	The end terminations are very good on the Panasonic caps. If you get the right series, they are rated for low loss/high ripple current. I don't know how that translates to sound quality, though. I'm currently using GE and Sprague low loss polypropylenes in my preamp, as I had them on hand. I haven't done any comparisons with other caps, though this preamp sounds loads more detailed than my old Nikko, which had about 5 electrolytics in series with the signal chain...

28th February 2005, 05:33 AM	#5
gingertube diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Adelaide South Oz	I assume you mean the PPS - the short answer, to put it in the OZ vernacular is "DUNO". The ones I use are Evox Rifa SMR Series. Check out their web pages. Cheers, Ian

15th September 2005, 11:47 PM	#7
gingertube diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Adelaide South Oz	G'day Joe, I bought mine from Farnell (small quantities so I was'nt fussed about paying the mark up). One of the advantages to working for a big company is that I have access to tools like Australian Electronics Directory Plus. It tells me that the Oz importers for Evox Rifa are: Connektron P/L, Phone Sydney 9597-6411 Web www.connecktron.com.au Cheers, Ian

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