2. amps-preamps
  3. 146512-75349

Recommendation for input coupling caps

Hey,
I’m building a headphone amp and need a recommendation for a 0.47uF input coupling cap.
It is a discrete circuit and the output is direct coupled.

I have built this amp before and used Mundorf Supreme in this position.
I felt it sounded "compressed" and lacked dynamics (compared to other amps I built, albeit they were different designs).

Also, the headphones I will be using tend to be a bit bassy so would like something that is known for not bloating the bass and may bring the mids forward (if that is even possible to achieve by simply a cap).

Based on size and price, these seem like viable options:
Auricap XO
Mundorf Supreme Silver Oil
Jantzen Superior

I have also read about Jupiter and Sonicap Platinum but honestly can’t justify the price for this build.

I could be over-estimating the impact of this capacitor on the overall sound though, and can just go back to the same Mundorf Supreme.
Your thoughts are greatly appreciated

itsikhefez
itsikhefez OP
63 posts
 
@motokokusanagi Yes, I believe it can be omitted...
If I put a dac board in the same chassis and connect directly, probably safe. But since the source is connected externally and can be replaced over time, probably best to say safe
Post removed 
terry9
2,342 posts
 
In my experience, DA (dielectric absorption) is negatively correlated with sonics (higher DA ==> worse sonics). Similarly for dielectric constant.  Think electrolytic caps: high measures and low sonics. Vacuum caps: low measures and high sonics.

Except for teflon. Neither explains why teflon caps tend to be bright.
motokokusanagi
189 posts
 
Sure I get that. But it would be a simple test to hook up a safe source, replace the Mundorf with a straight wire, test for DC offset, then evaluate the effect the cap is having. If the unpleasant sound profile still exists, then the problem is the amp design itself not matching well with the headphones.
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