@rodman99999, is absolutely correct. I have only one thing to add. It is important for imaging that both speakers in a stereo pair have a frequency response curve that is as close to being the same as possible. Without the equipment to tune crossovers and speakers it is probably best to stick to the tightest tolerances you can find in caps, coils and resistors. Don't worry about the brand. Worry about the tolerances (the lowest % error.) This will cost a little more. Unfortunately, even if your speakers have exactly the same frequency response curve the room will play havoc with it. Symmetry is always best.
Replacement capacitors exploding
I replaced the capacitors in the crossovers in my Klipsch KSM-1 stage monitors.
There is a capacitor that runs parallel to the woofer which had blown in a couple of my dozen stage monitors. They are from the 90s, which is not ancient, but I figured maybe that age is a factor so I swapped them all out.
The replacement capacitors have all of the same numbers printed on them but are a fraction of the physical size, and in just one season almost all of them have blown. I don’t think they were being pushed harder.
Is there a way for me to order capacitors with the same specs printed on them that are also heavier duty in some other way?
There is a capacitor that runs parallel to the woofer which had blown in a couple of my dozen stage monitors. They are from the 90s, which is not ancient, but I figured maybe that age is a factor so I swapped them all out.
The replacement capacitors have all of the same numbers printed on them but are a fraction of the physical size, and in just one season almost all of them have blown. I don’t think they were being pushed harder.
Is there a way for me to order capacitors with the same specs printed on them that are also heavier duty in some other way?
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- 58 posts total
If one took the time to view these pics of Klipsch stage monitor crossovers, they’d note that the OEM/factory caps, comprising the LF circuits, are bipolar electrolytics. (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Klipsch-Type-KSM-2-Crossover-/392714043491) (https://picclick.com/3-Three-JBL-S3HC-Klipsch-KSM-15-and-Klipsch-231960707452.html#&gid=1&pi...) (https://picclick.com/3-Three-JBL-S3HC-Klipsch-KSM-15-and-Klipsch-231960707452.html#&gid=1&pi...) This last link contains a crappy pic of the KSM-1 crossover. The silver can at the bottom, should the stock electrolytic, in the LF section, that gave the OP his initial problems. Scroll right and it's third from the last pic: (https://reverb.com/item/13889916-klipsch-ksm-1-vintage-15-2-way-floor-monotors-with-phenolic-diaphra...) If Klipsch provided him with new, replacement crossovers, they’d probably still come with electrolytics, in that position. I've hated electrolytics, in crossovers, from day one of my experience with electronics.
The electrolytes will dry out and the cap will lose it's values. Over-voltage will cause the electrolytes to expand and explode the cans. BUT: they've been used, for the sake of economics and availability, by speaker system manufacturers, since the beginnings of audio. |
These folks have some wonderful product: https://www.partsconnexion.com as do these guys: https://solen.ca As has been said above, electrolytic caps have been used since the dawn of time in crossovers. If they are being used in speakers currently, it’s as a cost cutting measure. High voltage film caps are the way to go as has been stated also. |
- 58 posts total