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Ask an Expert Forum Element 14 Audio Grade Capacitors
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Element 14 Audio Grade Capacitors

Rocketeer
Rocketeer over 2 years ago

Hi All.

Hoping someone can advise.

I inherited some early vintage Japanese Loudspeakers needing rejuvenation.

Nothing fancy, just loudspeakers from small systems.

I think their worthwhile as they're from a bygone era.

They're fitted with various electrolytic capacitors maybe 40 - 50 years old.

Mostly single caps servicing the tweeters & ranging from 1.8µF to 3.3µF.

I don't want to over capitalize so thought electrolytic over film as they are not cutting edge hifi speakers.

Is there anything recommended from the element14 catalogue to replace the existing caps?

I'm open to both electrolytic & film depending on performance vs cost vs suitability to each application.

I haven't removed any of the caps for a test, but am going by their age & the general life of electrolytics.

cheers

Rocketeer (Rocky)

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Top Replies

  • Gough Lui
    Gough Lui over 2 years ago +3
    To be truly honest, most of the Hi-Fi stuff is "snake oil" - differences in capacitors may cause subtle differences in audio but it's hard to say a given capacitor is necessary "sounding better" than another…
  • michaelkellett
    michaelkellett over 2 years ago in reply to Rocketeer +1
    It just means that the value of capacitance is more tightly controlled (for a 5%) capacitor. In a cross over circuit a 20% error in capacitance could give you a 20% variation in turnover frequency. …
  • Jan Cumps
    Jan Cumps over 2 years ago in reply to Rocketeer +1
    I am an element14 and audiokarma community member :). Adore electronics and audio. A standard capacitor that meets the original specs will do. I am not usually suggesting to replace components if all…
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  • michaelkellett
    0 michaelkellett over 2 years ago

    Farnell have a range of non polar electrolytic caps.

    They are certainly not "Audiophile" grade but are pretty cheap.

    uk.farnell.com/.../leaded-aluminium-electrolytic-capacitors

    In the range of capacitance you mention film caps are not that pricey and will have much better characteristics.

    https://uk.farnell.com/w/c/passive-components/capacitors/film-capacitors/prl/results?range=inc-in-stock&st=3.3uf&sort=P_PRICE

    Why not try both and see if you can hear any difference.

    MK

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  • cstanton
    0 cstanton over 2 years ago in reply to michaelkellett

    As the original poster is in australia it should be possible to replace "uk.farnell.com" with "au.element14.com" for these links.

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  • cstanton
    0 cstanton over 2 years ago in reply to michaelkellett

    As the original poster is in australia it should be possible to replace "uk.farnell.com" with "au.element14.com" for these links.

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