To my ears, the more modern replacements for the Elna Silmics are the aluminum organic polymer caps from Kemet and Panasonic. I tried a number of options as I was building alternate front end boards for my lottery VFET amp. I also found the organic polymer caps to sound good in the ACA.
In more conventional dielectrics, I like the Nichicon KZ and KW series. However the slit foil necessary for those is also being discontinued. Difficult times.
In more conventional dielectrics, I like the Nichicon KZ and KW series. However the slit foil necessary for those is also being discontinued. Difficult times.
Interesting. I will toss a few of those OP caps into my cart for my next order. I have a decent stock of Silmic II's but will stock up on some Nichicons as well. Thanks for the heads up on the slit foil. It is interesting to look back and think about how you could just order black gate caps back in the day.. I have a few of those floating around too. High voltage for tube amps.
My thread has been hacked... LOL.
@TungstenAudio What are the general differences you would say. Are they more coherent, transparent and so forth .. compared to Silmic II
@TungstenAudio What are the general differences you would say. Are they more coherent, transparent and so forth .. compared to Silmic II
What I tend to look for in a resistor are the following traits>> reliability, decently thick leads, 1% tolerance if needed, love the Vishays because the value is written in 'English' right on the part. Unless otherwise stated, I try to use the Vishays for my work. A lot of CMF55 types. I will admit that PRP has a good reputation as well.
With capacitors I am listening for a combination of clarity and tonal balance. Acoustic instruments have distinct harmonic profiles; accurate reproduction keeps the harmonics in correct proportion to each other, without over emphasizing any part of the spectrum. A good tonal presentation makes an instrument sound more present in the listening space. The old Elna Silmics were excellent in this regard.
One of the best front end configurations in my VFET amp used the Kemet A759 series 440uF, 50V Aluminum Organic Polymer. (Bulwark) I also used the Nichicon RNL series in some positions on the VFET front ends and liked those as well.
These are just some ideas to get started.
One of the best front end configurations in my VFET amp used the Kemet A759 series 440uF, 50V Aluminum Organic Polymer. (Bulwark) I also used the Nichicon RNL series in some positions on the VFET front ends and liked those as well.
These are just some ideas to get started.
The Silmics were RFS series in the most recent builds.
I have also used Cerafines with good results. I tend to use those in critical PSU bypass applications.
I have also used Cerafines with good results. I tend to use those in critical PSU bypass applications.