What are the very best caps for the PSU?

[Wakefield Turntables]

I'm in the middle of completely over hauling my Sondex 100 amp. Currently I'm looking at replacing the four large caps in the power supply.

24949

The four large black caps appear to be an unnamed UK brand, I've not removed them yet but these are the ones I'd like to replace.

I've been looking over at HiFi Collective and have short listed several brands mainly :-

Audio Note, Axial, BHC, ClarityCap, Cornell Dubilier, Evox, F&T Electrolytic, Jensen, LCR Mundorf, Nichicon

I'm not restricting myself any of the above brands. I can't see myself wanting to sell the Sondex Amp and I'm prepared to invest heavily in the amp as I think it's my last port of call in Valve amplifiers.

So my question is quite simple what do you consider the very best cap replacement for PSU duties?

[STD305M]

Hi Andrew
I use and can recommend the Nichicon Gold Tune, great caps and very reasonably priced.
I used them in both my dcb1 builds and will be using them on my next project.

Merry Christmas....

[Wakefield Turntables]

Thanks, Mundorf has also been suggested.

[AD Audio]

The best in terms of long life with decent sound are the Kemet ones available from RS and others. Nichicon gold tune are decent but not available in high voltages

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[Ali Tait]

Can’t say I’ve heard a great deal of difference with PS caps, so I’d just go with something of decent quality that’s fit for purpose. I’ve used Mundorfs before and been happy with them.

[Bksabath]

There is only one that work for me

Money/Performance

PEH200

A little by-pass whit a good film make them perfect

[Wakefield Turntables]

Can’t say I’ve heard a great deal of difference with PS caps, so I’d just go with something of decent quality that’s fit for purpose. I’ve used Mundorfs before and been happy with them.

Ali, thanks. I didn't really think about the effects of the caps on the sound.


The best in terms of long life with decent sound are the Kemet ones available from RS and others. Nichicon gold tune are decent but not available in high voltages

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The amp is stuffed full of RS components. Nichicon are also on the short list. Thanks David, longevity is always an important factor.


There is only one that work for me

Money/Performance

PEH200

A little by-pass whit a good film make them perfect

Yet another recommendation :lol:. Thanks.

When starting this thread I assumed that there may have one/two caps which would have stood out as being regularly used. I'm now learning that different people use caps for different reasons. Some for a financial view point, other to "voice" an amp etc. I'm primarily interested in using the best quality components for the best performance from the amp. I'm happy to pay good money for top quality components but I'm not willing to pay silly money for caps i.e. some of the duelund stuff. I think it may be more beneficial to research the properties of the caps and maybe see if this can help me decide.

[Bigman80]

Personal choice is Audio Note Kaisei.

Made a marked improvement to the Krell. Really well made and even though they aren't cheap, they arent ridiculously priced.

I hope to redo my phonostage and the Krell with them, in time.

[User211]

The ANs are Rubycons. Should be good.

[Ali Tait]

Personal choice is Audio Note Kaisei.

Made a marked improvement to the Krell. Really well made and even though they aren't cheap, they arent ridiculously priced.

I hope to redo my phonostage and the Krell with them, in time.

Yeah could be a good choice. A few people I know used to swear by WKZ’s but they’re unobtainium now so these might be a good alternative.

[Bigman80]

I really like them. Better than anything else I've tried. Nichicon etc. These really do make a difference.

[Wakefield Turntables]

I must admit to thinking either Mundorf/Jantzens or Audionotes.

[sq225917]

What values are the caps, uf, voltage and temp rating, what connection type and spaci g ate the lead outs. You're getting a bit ahead of yourself without this info to hand.

[Wakefield Turntables]

What values are the caps, uf, voltage and temp rating, what connection type and spaci g ate the lead outs. You're getting a bit ahead of yourself without this info to hand.

Probably tonight's job Si when the Kid's in bed!

[YNWaN]

What values are the caps, uf, voltage and temp rating, what connection type and spaci g ate the lead outs. You're getting a bit ahead of yourself without this info to hand.

Yep, absolutely. For example, I don’t think Jantzen (that you mentioned as a potential favourite) even make suitable caps for this application.

[Wakefield Turntables]

OK guys these are the rather cheapo caps that I need to replace.


2496124962

The cap reads

ITT
220 uF -10 +50%
400 V DC
Max Ripple 1.3 Amps at 100 Hz +85 oC
55/085/56
ALS 20A 221 DD 400
8225 UK

The Resistor reads

RGL0819
56K 5%
03

Hope this helps.

[sq225917]

These would be my choice.

https://www.mouser.co.uk/ProductDetail/KEMET/ALC40A331CF400?qs=sGAEpiMZZMtZ1n0r9vR22RfYnYmXwmIg asoiY3%2f5k4E%3d

Headline figures, 330uf, 400v dc, 1.98a ripple, 9000 hours/105 0c, 30mm wide, 50mm tall, but they are snap in, not screw terminal, it's no issue though. You'll get a smoother voltage coming out of them and they'll outlast you.

[goraman]

It is hard to beat the quality of Rubycons there aluminum electrolytic power supply capacitors are built to go to war and will sound great for years before wandering out of spec.
I wouldn't pay any more for the AN label. There is no magic high resolution secrets to power supply caps. Although you could have them blessed by a priest to drive out the Demon of Distortion and the Demon of Diminished life span!
I have also heard JJ makes nice power supply caps but I still think Rubycon was chosen by Peter Q. for a reason the quality is constantly very good right off the shelf.

[AD Audio]

It is hard to beat the quality of Rubycons there aluminum electrolytic power supply capacitors are built to go to war and will sound great for years before wandering out of spec.
I wouldn't pay any more for the AN label. There is no magic high resolution secrets to power supply caps. Although you could have them blessed by a priest to drive out the Demon of Distortion and the Demon of Diminished life span!
I have also heard JJ makes nice power supply caps but I still think Rubycon was chosen by Peter Q. for a reason the quality is constantly very good right off the shelf.Absolutely true re AN. There were two great sounding psu caps using different technology: Black Gates and Elna Cerafines. BGs are no longer available and Cerafines high voltage no longer produced. JJs sound good but have a short life spec. I go back to Kemets for the best sound and longest life spec


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[snowman_al]

I easily could have missed it, but you do not give the diameter of the caps?
Suspect they are 35/36mm diameter, in which case there are several choices that retain the screw terminal option and are a 'direct' replacement.
Following the Kemet (BHC) theme these are available from Farnell. https://uk.farnell.com/w/c/passive-components/capacitors/aluminium-electrolytic-capacitors/snap-in-screw-terminal-aluminium-electrolytic-capacitors?capacitance=220uf|270uf&voltage-rating=385v|400v|420v|450v&diameter=36mm

In the position they are mounted going to 105 degree from 85 degree will make little difference. Note too it is sometimes cheaper to go for a higher voltage, which may give a little life benefit in itself.

[sq225917]

All caps are specified on a temperature derating curve, in every case the higher temperature rated cap will last longer at a lower temperature than an initially lower rated version of the same cap. Sure it's never going to see 105 degrees but its lifespan is 5x that of the 85 degree cap at the lower temp.