Hi Gents, I've read so much on this, but don't think reached any kind of definitive conclusion - what is the consensus here on any benefit to replacing polystyrene caps?
I'm working on a rotel amp, they tend to use these in the signal path - any benefit you guys think of replacing these with WIMA polypropylene? Or maybe something with different tolerance?
I'm working on a rotel amp, they tend to use these in the signal path - any benefit you guys think of replacing these with WIMA polypropylene? Or maybe something with different tolerance?
No benefit whatsoever. They are excellent capacitors, and extremely stable. I just measured half a dozen that are 60 years old, and they are all still in tolerance.
That's great man, because when building out a bill of materials film caps can sure elevate the bill!
Bryston tends to use orange drops on the signal path, I was thinking of maybe swapping for some of those - example BFC237524101
Polystyrene have very low DF which is a good thing. They don’t like a lot of heat so beware of that. I like them where I can use them, places where I can find the right value and fit it in as they are usually larger than other caps. As was said, they will last a lifetime and sound great. I often use them as bypass caps too. get higher voltage ones to be safe and they have better specs.
I think I'd use Wima PP. Polystyrene have very weak leads and if not glued into place would be prone to vibration. Also, as others have said, they don't like heat.
It's like replacing a Ferrari by a Porsche for use in a pedestrian zone. One may look better than the other though.
For pf caps, you can try Polypropylene PP (or PPS) film caps. Not advice wima's FKP's.
Guys, I've been using a lot of MICA lately, I rather like them. Some say harsh, I don't find that - I find they sound accurate maybe 'analytical' but clear - What are your opinions replacing the polystyrene signal path pF with silver mica? Again, I've liked it wherever I've done it; am I missing anything?
