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?
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?
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...
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...
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
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
I've been wondering about them myself. How many volts of 50kHz do you suppose they could handle before melting?
Tim
Tim
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
The ones I use are Evox Rifa SMR Series. Check out their web pages.
Cheers,
Ian
gingertube said:
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.
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
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
For C1-C2, do you think 400V is not enough?
In the measurements, I hardly see a little more than 200VDC, in other amplifiers K40Y-9 / 400V has given me a good result.
Thanks Ian
Digikey also has the WIMA FKP4 series up to 1uF/400V. These are described as "Polypropylene with Metal Foil Electrodes" on the datasheet. I've read good things about this series - no personal experience though. They also have metallized polypropylene versions in the MKP4 & MKP10 series.
Agreed! Since they eradicated their last paper foil capacitors, the Durolit series, their capacitors most probably are among the best worldwide.
Best regards!
Best regards!
You think he'll get an answer worth resurrecting a 16 year old thread?
Higher voltage film/foil caps available from Digi-key:
CDE 942
CDE WMC
Illinois PWS
Kemet PFR
Most of CDE's various Orange Drop caps, though some of them are film/foil PE, not PP.
Higher voltage film/foil caps available from Digi-key:
CDE 942
CDE WMC
Illinois PWS
Kemet PFR
Most of CDE's various Orange Drop caps, though some of them are film/foil PE, not PP.
I have used Kemet PFR film caps where the values are small enough. The PFR are absolutely excellent! They only have these film-on-foil caps up to a maximum of 2200pf, so they are likely only useful in negative feedback compensation or signal output compensation on opamp type circuits.
WIMA does have their FKP line, which are also film-on-foil, but I have never used them. They are slightly less expensive than the Kemet, so I always went with Kemet.
For the standard 5mm lead spacing 0.1uf metallized polypropylene film caps, I have always used the Vishay BFC series (Digikey part BC2054-ND). They are slightly larger than the WIMA (which is also good) and more expensive. I use the WIMA where there is space limitations. These are likely the two best 0.1uf small form factor film caps. Otherwise, I might choose Panasonic "dipped" film caps for alternatives.
WIMA does have their FKP line, which are also film-on-foil, but I have never used them. They are slightly less expensive than the Kemet, so I always went with Kemet.
For the standard 5mm lead spacing 0.1uf metallized polypropylene film caps, I have always used the Vishay BFC series (Digikey part BC2054-ND). They are slightly larger than the WIMA (which is also good) and more expensive. I use the WIMA where there is space limitations. These are likely the two best 0.1uf small form factor film caps. Otherwise, I might choose Panasonic "dipped" film caps for alternatives.
I've always liked to use WIMA caps, they seem to measure and behave well. The brown dipped Panasonic film caps are another favorite.
TBH, I usually just buy whatever film caps are cheapest at DigiKey.
I use a ridiculous number of 5mm spacing 0.1 uF "box" type film caps (usually 100V) for bypass caps, and never had an issue. Lots of people use cheap X7R ceramics. I'm sure it doesn't make much difference, and the ceramics are cheaper, but for small one-offs the added cost is negligible.
TBH, I usually just buy whatever film caps are cheapest at DigiKey.
I use a ridiculous number of 5mm spacing 0.1 uF "box" type film caps (usually 100V) for bypass caps, and never had an issue. Lots of people use cheap X7R ceramics. I'm sure it doesn't make much difference, and the ceramics are cheaper, but for small one-offs the added cost is negligible.