Nichicon DB series Electrolytics - copies vs original

Hi All.

I'm investigating the use of Nichicon DB Series Electrolytic Caps for a project to freshen up Loudspeaker Crossovers.
I understand that Nichicon is a Japanese Brand.
I'm trying to source Nichicon DB caps in 10mfd & 5 mfd ratings.
Initial search in EBay points me to ShenZhen China, where a couple of sellers offer Nichicon BP-P caps which they claim are DB series.

Firstly what are genuine Nichicon DB caps doing in China?
Then are these copies or does Nichicon manuf in China?
How do I protect myself against copies?

Are there good Nichicon GB sources in Australia or other reputable markets?
Same for Mundorf ECaps?
Same for Panasonic FM?
 
Last edited:
Hi All.

I'm investigating the use of Nichicon DB Series Electrolytic Caps for a project to freshen up Loudspeaker Crossovers.
I understand that Nichicon is a Japanese Brand.
I'm trying to source Nichicon DB caps in 10mfd & 5 mfd ratings.
Initial search in EBay points me to ShenZhen China, where a couple of sellers offer Nichicon BP-P caps which they claim are DB series.

Firstly what are genuine Nichicon DB caps doing in China?
Then are these copies or does Nichicon manuf in China?
How do I protect myself against copies?

Are there good Nichicon GB sources in Australia or other reputable markets?
Same for Mundorf ECaps?
Same for Panasonic FM?
The first thing you did was to look for the capacitors on eBay…..
Not on mouser.com or digikey.com or Newark.com or other Nichicon authorized retailers.
Just because Nichicon is a Japanese brand, that doesn’t mean the caps will be made in Japan.
Take a look at the data sheet for the correct name
 

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Not on mouser.com or digikey.com or Newark.com or other Nichicon authorized retailers.

Cliff might find the selection process on those sites confusing - I know I did!

https://au.mouser.com/c/passive-components/capacitors/

I found Mundorfs though @CliffR52!: https://www.soundlabsgroup.com.au/c/Mundorf-Bipolar-Audio-ECAP.html

No 5 uF unfortunately - you'd have to use 2 x 2.7 uF in parallel - would be getting pricey for your application in your other thread though.
 
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The first thing you did was to look for the capacitors on eBay…..
Not on mouser.com or digikey.com or Newark.com or other Nichicon authorized retailers.
Just because Nichicon is a Japanese brand, that doesn’t mean the caps will be made in Japan.
Take a look at the data sheet for the correct name
Thanks AL.
I'll broaden my search.
The initial issue with the UDB range is that they're only +-20% tolerance and both leads come out of their bottom surface, not from each end as would most xover caps have.
 
Cliff might find the selection process on those sites confusing - I know I did!

https://au.mouser.com/c/passive-components/capacitors/

I found Mundorfs though @CliffR52!: https://www.soundlabsgroup.com.au/c/Mundorf-Bipolar-Audio-ECAP.html

No 5 uF unfortunately - you'd have to use 2 x 2.7 uF in parallel - would be getting pricey for your application in your other thread though.
I noticed the The 'Muse' BP have both terminals at one end.
They'd mount proud on the circuit board rather than lying on their side??
They seem to be more suited to an Amp or other device rather than xover.
Also +-20% Any thoughts?
 
These are described as "radial" capacitors. Those you would prefer are described as "axial" capacitors.

I've had a good look around the OZ suppliers and axial bipolar electrolytic caps appear thin on the ground - apart from 4.7 uF ones from Jaycar.

https://www.jaycar.com.au/4-7uf-100v-electrolytic-crossover-capacitor/p/RY6904
I found that JayCar also have the 10uf version.

https://www.jaycar.com.au/10uf-100v...Text=uF 100V Electrolytic Crossover Capacitor

JayCar cap at +-10% vs Dubelier cap at +-20%, would you say JayCars offerings are atleast similar if not better due to tighter tolerances?
 
So, the two capacitance values you require are obtainable from Jaycar?

These will be perfect replacements for the ancient ELCAP capacitors in your vintage speakers (see attachment).

Look no further! :cheerful:
 

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