every time I am ordering caps for power supplies, I see audio grade caps that, at least on mouser, it is only Nichicon and maybe sometimes kemet. while general purpose is available from many manufacturers. so far I have always ordered audio grade, but is it really necessary?
They claim to have better qualities if they're in the signal path, some special treatment of the electrodes apparently.
Perhaps there is some merit to this, but even if true, it seems unlikely such differences would affect operation if used for supply rail decoupling, etc.
It may be these are higher spec generally (low esr, etc) but it seems more like marketing hype to command a high premium than anything else to me.
Perhaps there is some merit to this, but even if true, it seems unlikely such differences would affect operation if used for supply rail decoupling, etc.
It may be these are higher spec generally (low esr, etc) but it seems more like marketing hype to command a high premium than anything else to me.
yeah specially for power supply I don't think that I will be interested in paying a premium for audio grade. I used a 36 VAC transformer with 50VDC filter caps and they started smoking. I cut the power off fast but I think that they are goners so I'm ordering some 63V ones. 
Last edited:
There is merit in buying quality brands and higher spec in some cases though, don't go with the cheapest crap you can find.
For 36VAC, 50v is borderline at best though. You should definitely go 63v.
For 36VAC, 50v is borderline at best though. You should definitely go 63v.
Depends on the transformer and the load. Let's say the transformer is specified as 36V at full load and has 20% regulation. If run with no load or very low load, the secondary voltage might be 43VAC. When rectified and filtered that could mean over 60VDC. Throw in some primary voltage variability and you could easily exceed that.
For power supply usage I don’t see the point in ‘audio’ grade caps.
There is still merit in quality however: ripple current rating, Low ESR, high temp rating and high lifetime are worth paying extra for.
ESR can directly affect the performance of a psu. Eg output impedance.
Temp rating and lifetime rating will obviously affect the lifetime of the psu. There is much to be said for only having to build things once. There is also much to be said for an overbuilt psu that never breaks.
There is still merit in quality however: ripple current rating, Low ESR, high temp rating and high lifetime are worth paying extra for.
ESR can directly affect the performance of a psu. Eg output impedance.
Temp rating and lifetime rating will obviously affect the lifetime of the psu. There is much to be said for only having to build things once. There is also much to be said for an overbuilt psu that never breaks.
I'd forget "audio grade" - get whatever meets the specifications you need (ESR, ripple current, lifetime, voltage, value tolerance etc).
What is worth looking for is "automotive grade", which usually means much better lifetime at a wide range of temperatures, and often more extensive per-device testing on manufacture.
What is worth looking for is "automotive grade", which usually means much better lifetime at a wide range of temperatures, and often more extensive per-device testing on manufacture.
I think "audio grade" is the same as general use (more beautifylly decorated), or some beter (industrial) grade, which hasn't done tests (nobody wants to throw it away).
No, those audio grade capacitors are made from a special unobtanium metal found on comets and distant galaxies and let You hear pulsars. I would use some reputable manufacturer caps from ELNA, Nichicon, Panasonic and so on.
Most important is durability. So spec higher temp, voltage, ripple current than needed. ESRs of 10000u caps are less than .1 (the one i saw was .022 ) ohm. At 10 amps thats only adds 1v to the rail sag.
Hi Dadbeh,
I just have to ask since you have not indicated this. The power from the transformer went through a rectifier first - right? What to draw a little picture for us?
-Chris
I just have to ask since you have not indicated this. The power from the transformer went through a rectifier first - right? What to draw a little picture for us?
-Chris
The audio grade electrolytic caps I've seen are polymer caps and meant for signal path usage such as in the output of a sound card.
I can see them being advantageous there.
Conductive Polymer Electrolytic Capacitors - Industrial Devices & Solutions - Panasonic
also Kemet is making Tantalum Polymer caps for similar usage:
http://www.kemet.com/Lists/ProductCatalog/Attachments/101/KEM_T2019_T530.pdf
They are expensive, so they must be good.
😀
I can see them being advantageous there.
Conductive Polymer Electrolytic Capacitors - Industrial Devices & Solutions - Panasonic
also Kemet is making Tantalum Polymer caps for similar usage:
http://www.kemet.com/Lists/ProductCatalog/Attachments/101/KEM_T2019_T530.pdf
They are expensive, so they must be good.
😀
- I don't see anything "audio" there. Or maybe you are meaning "audiophile-grade cost"? 🙂
Hi Guys,
Contrary to what many believe, from my experience, getting the cleanest supply from the PS is of paramount importance be it boutique caps or not. For me I only use EI trafo & if I can with split bobbin types. SS rectifiers also important, tried a few varieties but to my ears the best so far are from Shindengen, clear & grainless. My 2 cents.
Cheers
Contrary to what many believe, from my experience, getting the cleanest supply from the PS is of paramount importance be it boutique caps or not. For me I only use EI trafo & if I can with split bobbin types. SS rectifiers also important, tried a few varieties but to my ears the best so far are from Shindengen, clear & grainless. My 2 cents.
Cheers
I don't think anyone could argue the importance of a clean power supply. The discussion is more around whether "audio grade" capacitors will help to achieve that goal.
Well I did not want to create snake oil etc comments. I have been playing with many caps for my build be it dac or power amps. All that I can say is yes audio grade caps do affect sound but one cannot just base it on brands etc cause what works here might no work well there. Believe it or not every cap have their sound signature.
Cheers
Cheers
that great. you need to answer or at least think about this question: "what is it about audio grade caps that is different than general purpose?" do they use special farads in their micro farads?:?? do they bless the caps with holy water? do they sing lullabies to them at night in the factory? trust me, it sounds better might be good enough for some folks, but it is not good enough for everybody. what does "sounds better" even mean? does it mean quieter background? does it mean more resolution? does it mean it makes kesha sound like celine Dion?
Modding.
Sorry to bring this subject back up.
But I'm thinking about updating my Amp Schiit Jotunheim 2 caps only in the image part.
A diy modding just for fun, curiosity see what's going on in this source update.
I'm thinking of changing the general purpose Panasonic M 1000uf 35v caps to the Nichicon FG 1000uf 35v audio caps.
But reading your conversation here may not have any change for the better.
Sorry to bring this subject back up.
But I'm thinking about updating my Amp Schiit Jotunheim 2 caps only in the image part.
A diy modding just for fun, curiosity see what's going on in this source update.
I'm thinking of changing the general purpose Panasonic M 1000uf 35v caps to the Nichicon FG 1000uf 35v audio caps.
But reading your conversation here may not have any change for the better.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.