Capacitor "series" - Does it matter?

njcanuck

njcanuck

aka: MacGyver
I need to recap the power protection circuit of my HK PM665 amp. It contains the following 5 electrolytic capacitors: 33uf 10v, 47uf 50v, 4.7uf 50v, 100uf 16v and 47uf 16v.

All of these are in stock at Digikey but in a bewildering array of "series". Panasonic has 12 or more series and the other brands aren't far behind. Can anyone advise on what series to choose from for the above application (or does it even matter)? Panasonic KS,SU,VR,KA,KG are in stock as are Nichicon VZ and PW. Does it matter for this purpose or will pretty much any cap work?
 
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Thanks guys,

I ordered all PW's. After reading the datasheet, I see that they are recommended for power supplies. Since I'm trying to understand and learn, can someone tell me what makes these more suitable than the many others available? Are there specific parameters to look for in power supply caps versus say, signal path caps?

Thanks again, Rich
 
njcanuck said:
Thanks guys,

I ordered all PW's. After reading the datasheet, I see that they are recommended for power supplies. Since I'm trying to understand and learn, can someone tell me what makes these more suitable than the many others available? Are there specific parameters to look for in power supply caps versus say, signal path caps?

Thanks again, Rich
Click to expand...

Low leakage,high temp.
 
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njcanuck said:
I need to recap the power protection circuit of my HK PM665 amp. It contains the following 5 electrolytic capacitors: 33uf 10v, 47uf 50v, 4.7uf 50v, 100uf 16v and 47uf 16v.

All of these are in stock at Digikey but in a bewildering array of "series". Panasonic has 12 or more series and the other brands aren't far behind. Can anyone advise on what series to choose from for the above application (or does it even matter)? Panasonic KS,SU,VR,KA,KG are in stock as are Nichicon VZ and PW. Does it matter for this purpose or will pretty much any cap work?
Click to expand...

I know exactly how you feel, just ordered about 100 capacitors myself from digi key. I have 4 old systems that need work.
I had them send me a catalog so I could read and study and it was still confusing. I ended up ordering a wide variety. elna, panasonics nichicon, united chemcon and vishay. All electrolytic, all claiming great for audio, none were the exact UF or voltages and most are way smaller.

From what I have been reading any new capacitor is most likely better then the old capacitors.

Presently recapping an home built Heathkit bass amp with a his. I'm 1/2 way done and the volume has already doubled. (including the hiss lol ) Looks like the previous owner used a weller gun as he really burnt some traces and what he didn't burn looks like cold joints.
 
Voltages aren't too important, as long as they match or exceed the originals. The capacitance value should be matched or slightly exceeded. Sometimes you can vastly exceed the values, but it really depends on the circuit and you shouldn't do it unless you know it's ok.

Also, they get bigger with both voltage and capacitance, so make sure you get and check deminsions. A tiny tape mesaure (one that has metric markings on it is a plus) and calipers are a big help here.
 
jsixis said:
none were the exact UF or voltages and most are way smaller.
Click to expand...

I couldn't believe the size difference on some of them. I also replaced four 10000uf filter caps with new 12000uf's from Panasonic. They are the same diameter but only half the height. The poor thing looks so wimpy now that I couldn't wait to put the cover back on! :sigh: Those old caps were much more macho.
 
njcanuck said:
I couldn't believe the size difference on some of them. I also replaced four 10000uf filter caps with new 12000uf's from Panasonic. They are the same diameter but only half the height. The poor thing looks so wimpy now that I couldn't wait to put the cover back on! :sigh: Those old caps were much more macho.
Click to expand...

:lmao:
 
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