Help me pick four (4) coupling capacitors for my K12G tube amp, 0.22µF. I think I have it narrowed down to these three (3) based on reviews & the link below. My budget is up to about (roughly) $60 / Shipped for all four. I figure I can splurge on these because I don't believe I'll be upgrading the OPT's for this build.
Humble Homemade Hifi
My top three capacitors are:
1) Jantzen 0.22uF 1200V Z-Superior Capacitor 2%, $10.20 each
Jantzen 0.22uF 1200V Z-Superior Capacitor
2) Audyn Cap Plus 0.22uF 1200V Double Layer MKP 2%, $6.81 each
Audyn Cap Plus 0.22uF 1200V Double Layer MKP Metalized Polypropylene Foil Crossover Capacitor
3) Audience Auricap / XO 10% ? $11.45 to $12.55 depending on which one
https://www.tubedepot.com/t/brands/audience-auricaps-xo-series
All seem to get good reviews,........Your thoughts ?
Rob43
Humble Homemade Hifi
My top three capacitors are:
1) Jantzen 0.22uF 1200V Z-Superior Capacitor 2%, $10.20 each
Jantzen 0.22uF 1200V Z-Superior Capacitor
2) Audyn Cap Plus 0.22uF 1200V Double Layer MKP 2%, $6.81 each
Audyn Cap Plus 0.22uF 1200V Double Layer MKP Metalized Polypropylene Foil Crossover Capacitor
3) Audience Auricap / XO 10% ? $11.45 to $12.55 depending on which one
https://www.tubedepot.com/t/brands/audience-auricaps-xo-series
All seem to get good reviews,........Your thoughts ?
Rob43
You may find that you won't get the answer you want. The answers will revolve around:
1. Buy the cheapest, you won't hear any difference. Heck, save your money and keep the ones already on your amp.
2. Caps are not as important as the topology they're in.
3. If you do hear sonic differences between those caps then it won't matter what we suggest here because it's your subjective opinion.
4. It's actually the transformers that affect the sound more!
If you're into modding your K12G, look into replacing the plate load resistors (R2 and R10) and the pushpull bias resistors (R8 and R17) with CCS (maybe using LM317).
1. Buy the cheapest, you won't hear any difference. Heck, save your money and keep the ones already on your amp.
2. Caps are not as important as the topology they're in.
3. If you do hear sonic differences between those caps then it won't matter what we suggest here because it's your subjective opinion.
4. It's actually the transformers that affect the sound more!
If you're into modding your K12G, look into replacing the plate load resistors (R2 and R10) and the pushpull bias resistors (R8 and R17) with CCS (maybe using LM317).
Guys, it's a K12, not a creme de la creme build. Just put 716P series "orange drops" in. If something "esoteric" is a must have, use Soviet surplus K40 paper in oil (PIO) parts.
Don't spend money where there is no payback.
Don't spend money where there is no payback.
I hear what you're saying. I considered the 716P's in that location, but figured since I was saving on opt's the little extra would be a good thing. The only music that will be played through this K12G will be classical. So 716P's vs choice #2, isn't this amp worth (#2) $27 dollars ?
Rob43
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When speaking of capacitors, always go Russian. They are both 1) best 2) cheapest. No going wrong.
For $27 you can have your caps plus spares for future projects, with no worries for quality.
For $27 you can have your caps plus spares for future projects, with no worries for quality.
I used Jantzen Z-Superior Capacitors in two of my projects replacing some other kinds, and I have been happy with them.
I used Auricaps in my very similar K502 kit - didn't notice any difference. Replaced the stock output transformers with Hammond 1609's and noticed a big improvement.
I "almost" hate hearing things like this,.....I'm trying to save money. But I don't doubt it. I had been looking very closely at the BIG Edcor CXPP30-MS-10K, & the smaller Edcor CXPP10-MS-10K.
Rob43
Well, try any transformer theory source. This is an adequate short explanation: http://www.answers.com/Q/What_happen_when_current_transformer_saturate
The closer to saturation the transformer operates, the more it distorts the transfered signal, and the smaller the headroom is.
Therefore, operate the transformer with no DC current, and it's like it's got a much, much, much bigger core and it doesn't go near saturation at normal AC operation anymore, even on transients. When transients are cleaner, the sound is 'bigger', like with a bigger OT.
Also the frequency response flattens out significantly, for same reasons as above.
Try this out yourself, make an experiment with pocket money. Get a smallish Hammond PP OT, say a Hammond 125D and run it parafeed. You'll be surprised.
I measure Hammond 125D flat from 10Hz up in parafeed operation. Sound clean as a whistle with bass detail no sub $70 OT has any business having in serial feed. The cap costs something, but why pay for OT iron?
Most parafeed people are doing it with SE. However the same benefits apply (of course) for balanced also.
In balanced, you can omit the parafeed cap if you have closely matched plate voltages - best results are had with gyrator plate loads.
This all leads to horrible efficiency, but excellent fidelity. If you must have power and are willing to make sound quality compromises for it, that's another thing. Most people don't need power really as much as they probably think they do.
In balanced, you can omit the parafeed cap if you have closely matched plate voltages - best results are had with gyrator plate loads.
This all leads to horrible efficiency, but excellent fidelity. If you must have power and are willing to make sound quality compromises for it, that's another thing. Most people don't need power really as much as they probably think they do.
The problem with the K12g is the transformers are available for about $20 a pop.
Using a choke at this price level is polishing a turd.
The whole kit can be bought for $200.00
Using a choke at this price level is polishing a turd.
The whole kit can be bought for $200.00
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Quality of the kit as a whole aside, if Rob43 is talking about considering or wanting to buy better OTs, the most cost effective way and best qualitywise is to go parafeed rather than buy better OTs.
No chokes needed. Get a couple of MOSFETs, caps and resistors. Cheap as anything and still top quality.
What he learns with this kit, he can apply later with better tubes and topologies. "Polishing a turd" is how most of us (at least myself) got started.
No chokes needed. Get a couple of MOSFETs, caps and resistors. Cheap as anything and still top quality.
What he learns with this kit, he can apply later with better tubes and topologies. "Polishing a turd" is how most of us (at least myself) got started.
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