I have a DDC which uses a range of WIMA MKS Polyester, electrolytic and a few PP capacitors. WIMA in general, I've always found can be bettered more often than not - question for the group, what generally is the best more accurate capacitor type for digital audio circuits, is the MKS the best it gets for noise, stability, DA, ESR etc. Could or would it make sense to consider other types where space permits?
Looking at MKS caps around the power section, inputs, and more. Would be great to get some thoughts on this. Thanks!
Looking at MKS caps around the power section, inputs, and more. Would be great to get some thoughts on this. Thanks!
There are myriads of capacitor sounding discussions here. Perhaps one of them solves your doubth.
Well yes but question is more specific to digital circuits where other factors seem to affect sound. Noise, accuracy, etc. could replacing my MKS wima caps with something be preferable ?
The K72P-6 is a high quality teflon capacitor made for military. The conductor is made of aluminum foil and the dielectric is teflon foil, glass sealed in a aluminum body. Each capacitor contain approx. 0.5 gram 999 silver! Silver plated steel leads. These capacitors provide excellent sonic characteristics. It will provide you THE BEST sound in your HI-FI / HI-END applications. The best type on transfer of nuances of sounding and an arrangement of musical instruments to space.
Capacitors were made in USSR.
Capacitors were made in USSR.
Well, Soviets had a distinguished SPACE career, so that makes sense.
Were these caps used in Sputnik?
Here's what WIMA says:
"Electrolytic and ceramic capacitors have a residual recharging effect which is 10-100 times higher and which leads to lack of clarity the treble tone reproduction in the audio signal path. In the field of audio application, very precise pulse reproduction is called for, which is assessed in the pulse behaviour criteria. In particular in the case of the audio signal dynamic jumps of up to 100 dB occur. The pulse behaviour of axial constructions is always much worse than that of modern radial ones. WIMA film/foil capacitors with polypropylene dielectric (FKP 02 (2.5 mm), FKP 2 (5 mm), FKP 3 (7.5 ,10,15 mm)) represent the ultimate. Due to the very good contact of the capacitor electrodes at the end surfaces to the Leads –“direct bonding”, as well as the large cross-section of the electrode foil, they have outstanding pulse behaviour. Film/foil constructions cause practically no attenuation of the audio signal and therefore provide absolutely precisely accurate pulse reproduction. FKP 2 versions (33 pF to 0.033 μF only) are also available as a precision capacitor with a tolerance of 2.5%; 1% available on request. Single sided metallized structure(MKP 2) has the smallest possible box size at a given capacity. However, these types have the disadvantage that the capacitor current is only conducted by the thin aluminium metallization. In comparison with the double-sided metallized and film/foil version this construction has the least favourable pulse behaviour. Only available in 400v+ rating--thus larger than needed for audio. In double-sided metallized (MKP 10) construction, the capacitor electrode is made of film metallized on both sides. The capacitor is produced with 4 film layers; construction has a 5-10 times greater pulse rise time and a much better pulse behaviour. They also have a 30-50% lower dissipation factor than comparable versions metallized on one side only."
"Electrolytic and ceramic capacitors have a residual recharging effect which is 10-100 times higher and which leads to lack of clarity the treble tone reproduction in the audio signal path. In the field of audio application, very precise pulse reproduction is called for, which is assessed in the pulse behaviour criteria. In particular in the case of the audio signal dynamic jumps of up to 100 dB occur. The pulse behaviour of axial constructions is always much worse than that of modern radial ones. WIMA film/foil capacitors with polypropylene dielectric (FKP 02 (2.5 mm), FKP 2 (5 mm), FKP 3 (7.5 ,10,15 mm)) represent the ultimate. Due to the very good contact of the capacitor electrodes at the end surfaces to the Leads –“direct bonding”, as well as the large cross-section of the electrode foil, they have outstanding pulse behaviour. Film/foil constructions cause practically no attenuation of the audio signal and therefore provide absolutely precisely accurate pulse reproduction. FKP 2 versions (33 pF to 0.033 μF only) are also available as a precision capacitor with a tolerance of 2.5%; 1% available on request. Single sided metallized structure(MKP 2) has the smallest possible box size at a given capacity. However, these types have the disadvantage that the capacitor current is only conducted by the thin aluminium metallization. In comparison with the double-sided metallized and film/foil version this construction has the least favourable pulse behaviour. Only available in 400v+ rating--thus larger than needed for audio. In double-sided metallized (MKP 10) construction, the capacitor electrode is made of film metallized on both sides. The capacitor is produced with 4 film layers; construction has a 5-10 times greater pulse rise time and a much better pulse behaviour. They also have a 30-50% lower dissipation factor than comparable versions metallized on one side only."
Be cautious Ricky you might overcook the dac & skew its SQ. I use to think digtal is digital does not affect
analog stage as much, boy was I wrong. If its a diy project, I would focus most of the attention on the PS caps
first.
Cheers
analog stage as much, boy was I wrong. If its a diy project, I would focus most of the attention on the PS caps
first.
Cheers
100%. So the basis to my question this time is my DDC and capacitor choices in a purely digital context. Yes, it's absolutely different where attention should made to the power, thought was though, capacitor type and choice - or if it would make any difference in purely digital circuitry. Would there be any benefit to PP from Polyester for instance - other types.. Maybe better electrolytics; interested in opinions.
Actually its difficult to advice Ricky. Me I no longer just look at specs cause it may look good but when applied
results are only so so. You just have to test it out to know.
results are only so so. You just have to test it out to know.
Everything, of course, depends on the required capacitances. I'm always surprised how everyone advises to poke Panasonics into all circuits with their low ESR. I think they have a disgusting cottony sound.
From my own experience, I will say that usually audio capacitors always have excellent loss and resistance characteristics (usually always better than any industrial ones). And despite the completely digital nature of the circuits, they transfer their character to the analog part in the same way.
Therefore, if your budget allows, then use the best ones based on size and capacity. I like the Nichicon line. The most neutral (and by the way convenient in terms of capacity and dimensions) is the KA series. These capacitors may be a little boring (it don't seem to bring anything audiophile to the sound, in fact they are very neutral in frequency response), but they certainly won't take away from the character of the device. They are also very clean, without any turbidity.
If your device is too harsh, then you should try Elna. As for me, these are two camps (Nichicon/Elna) with two opposites in sound.
From my own experience, I will say that usually audio capacitors always have excellent loss and resistance characteristics (usually always better than any industrial ones). And despite the completely digital nature of the circuits, they transfer their character to the analog part in the same way.
Therefore, if your budget allows, then use the best ones based on size and capacity. I like the Nichicon line. The most neutral (and by the way convenient in terms of capacity and dimensions) is the KA series. These capacitors may be a little boring (it don't seem to bring anything audiophile to the sound, in fact they are very neutral in frequency response), but they certainly won't take away from the character of the device. They are also very clean, without any turbidity.
If your device is too harsh, then you should try Elna. As for me, these are two camps (Nichicon/Elna) with two opposites in sound.
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