help buying capacitors

Try here:
http://www.partsconnexion.com/catalog/CapacitorsElectrolytic.html

A great vendor to work with.

If you have to have Black Gates, Michael Percy sells them and has explanations of the types. But Loon is correct--I'd never put a 'lytic into a speaker, and SCRs (Axon, Solen, etc.) 'propylenes are great, bypassed with something better, for the high-value locations and are highly affordable. Percy also sells LOTS of other high-quality film caps. http://www.percyaudio.com/Catalog.pdf

For higher-quality caps for use in series with the signal, I prefer North Creek's Zen, Harmony, and Crescendo 'propylenes, with the Harmony metalized also highly affordable. http://www.northcreekmusic.com/CrossoverComponents.html
.

Loontoon,

An Audio Note dealer told me to put Black Gates in my speakers so I will try. Black Gates are popular with Audio Note and I want to stick with their phylosophy.

Boa2

Thanks for the advice, you are the second vote for partsconnexion.

I was just hoping to get all my ducks in a row before calling them. Maybe they will have the answers to my questions.

agreed, blackgates are the most overrated cap in existence. or, that were in existence- they are out of production now, sold out many places. (though still many hoards left. but why bother? they are not worth it). A good idea is avoid electrolytics of any type/brand whenever possible.

not knowing anything about caps as you stated, you are better off letting someone else make the choices and do any mods. IMNSHO.

-Ed

Thank you guys,

I will ask Audio Note owner Peter Q and get his word.

And to be perfectly clear I know nothing about electronics at all and very much appreciate your input.

I may leave the stock caps in yet... we will see.

thank you all very much

Phil