PSU capacitors/electrolytics

[knubie]

Haven't heard much talk of this. Need to source capacitors for power amp for a "normal" CRCRC type PSU. I've heard JJ Electronics makes good electrolytics, what else do you guys recommend...

[arnoldc]

What I've used...

1. Nichicon Muse
2. Sprague Atom
3. Panasonic TSHA, TSHB
4. Rubycon
5. Audio Professor (Japan)
6. Siemens Oil Capacitor in large cans
7. Solen
8. Run of the mill Taiwan Electrolytics

[lndm]

You might look at motor start capacitors. They are not electrolytic, they are paper or polypropylene and foil. They handle hundreds of volts and are cheap. Their only downfall is they are 10cm high.

[SHiFTY]

I have used the JJs, they seem to be just fine. Also the Sprague atoms are good, but quite large.

You can also use Solen film caps, they are supposed to be good, but really large.

[blacklight]

I'm going to experiment with both JJs and oils when my budget allows me to buy all of them at once. As far as electrolytics go, JJs seem pretty cheap to me (about half the price of Jensen electrolytics). As far as I know, Solens are basically relabeled SCRs (which I'm currently using as signal caps). However, large value high voltage SCRs are hard to get where I live. 10uF/630V seems to be the largest I can buy off the shelf. I ripped off a couple of 2100V .77uF oil caps out of an old microwave oven but haven't tried those yet, since they're so low value. According to schematics my PSU's first cap should be around 15-40uF and the rest are around 47uF. It's a slightly modified Fi Primer/Sun Audio/Je Labs/Walton 300B SE. All recommendations are welcome. And yes, the signal caps will be Jensen PIOs.

[andyjevans]

You might look at motor start capacitors. >>

Motor run rather than motor start (which can have added componants I believe).

Agree with motor runs - great sound. Fast, clean and detailed

[kevinkr]

Solen is the SCR brand in North America. Good, inexpensive capacitor I highly recommend for power supply use. Get them directly from Solen in Quebec and they will not cost that much more than the much shorter lived electrolytics you are contemplating.

ASC motor run capacitors make great supply and cathode bypass cap, the series of most interest to audiophiles typical is the X386S in cylindrical aluminum cans. Larger values are typically about the size of a beer can so you need to plan accordingly.

Properly used not too close to their ratings a film cap will outlast you.

Incidentally most of these types are metallized polypropylene, film and foil types would be even larger and aren't self healing in the event of a fault. Great as a coupling cap, perhaps not as good in a psu.

[Tony]

I get my NICHICON's, ELNA's and other japanese electolytics from discarded smps boards, rated for 105*C, same with motor run caps, they are very good and cheap to acquire, you just have to be good at hunting them from junkyards which sells those boards on a per kilo basis, they are a steal.

[Marlowe]

Black Gate WKZ and VK are unbelievable.

[knubie]

Thanks for all the info guys! Much appreciated!

I guess JJ, Solen and Jensen +++ are all decent inexpensive alternatives.
ASC Motor run seems promising if I want to try one step up...

And as said Black Gate are unbelievable, including price... I will have to sell my soul to the devil for this lot !!!!

Another capacitor question regarding CRC PSU.
My mains transformer is 440V with a bridge recitifier (diode 1N4007).
Is a 600 VDC capacitor rating enough for the smooting caps?

Is there any rule for this voltage rating except that capacitor should be able to survive +/-15% mains voltage swing?