While finalizing the recap of my Accuphase C200 pre amp I’m looking at purchasing the last bits and bobs, which are the main PSU capacitors. For one position I’m looking at Nichicon LGX. They are fairly long life and have high temperature capabilities. They don’t state any ESR values in the spec sheet tho. Anyone here that have any experience with them that can chime in? In Nichicons own words they’re supposedly ”Ideal for rectifier circuits of general inverters and switching power supplies”. Here’s the data sheet for anyone interested: https://www.mouser.se/datasheet/2/293/e_lgx-3082384.pdf
I would tend towards the “standard” variety for analog audio power supplies.
Nichicon makes nice parts however, and are known to last a very long time in general.
Nichicon makes nice parts however, and are known to last a very long time in general.
LGX series are high voltage for inverter use (200V to 500VDC). Surely you do not need that voltage rating for a preamp.
I see what you mean 😉 I want to stay with the same diameter as the originals to be able to fit them in the old clamps. It's either one of these options, from Mouser anyway.
CDE 381LX
CDE SLP
Nichicon LGU
Nichicon LGX
Nichicon LGR
LGX series has the longest rated life, except for the LGR that are 10000 hour, but with a lower ripple current. To be honest I’d rather go with Nichicon over CDE.. Well, I'll sleep on it.
Last edited:
No, I do not need 500VDC 🙂 but the originals are rated 160VDC tho. The pickings are slim at 160 or 180 with the same diameter as the originals. So 200 VDC will have to do.
Might be differing criteria if recaping for audio preamp rather than an inverter. Its accuphase,and yes caps do sound different. Caps for audio just might sound better/more likeable to your ears.
The LGX are PCB type snap in caps, but you mention clamps, so you need chassis type. Originals rated at 160VDC in a preamp - what DC rail volts does it run at?
No, I do not need a chassis type capacitor. The old ones are regular radial capacitors with a solder lug, fastened in the chassis with a capacitor clamp. I'm gonna solder eyelets to the snaps for easier attachment of the cables, tho. I've attached a borrowed picture from google inside the pre amp, if you're interested seeing what the C200 looks like. Anyhow, I went up to 1500uF and found a nice capacitor from Vishay. Really don't like straying away from original capacitance values when doing a recap but read on Audiokarma that the old ones had a wide tolerance rating of +50 -20, as was usual way back then.
https://www.mouser.se/ProductDetail/Vishay-BC-Components/MAL215952152E3?qs=R62HgyKaTt87tutMF%2B%2BFYQ==
https://www.mouser.se/ProductDetail/Vishay-BC-Components/MAL215952152E3?qs=R62HgyKaTt87tutMF%2B%2BFYQ==
Last edited:
Rubycon USC as Nichicon LLS are used by Chords amps and are solid caps. (85°c but very good current ripple).
At 8.V max the Nichicon Superthrough of the KG serie are sounding ok (less current but who cares for a pre).
Also LGX is 105°C and 200V minimum. Some inputed than good sounding cap (dielectric ?) sounded better then less solid 85°C rating (Nich KZ, KG, Elna...)
Some said when too muvh voltage rating with what it sees in the circuitry, a cap is also less working good (I dunno the arguments there).
I just look at the leakage and the current of the former caps and at mest swap with something very near.
At 8.V max the Nichicon Superthrough of the KG serie are sounding ok (less current but who cares for a pre).
Also LGX is 105°C and 200V minimum. Some inputed than good sounding cap (dielectric ?) sounded better then less solid 85°C rating (Nich KZ, KG, Elna...)
Some said when too muvh voltage rating with what it sees in the circuitry, a cap is also less working good (I dunno the arguments there).
I just look at the leakage and the current of the former caps and at mest swap with something very near.
Last edited: