2. tech-talk
  3. 169140-5759

Electrolytic capacitor replacement

I want to swap out a couple of electrolytic caps with higher quality caps, also electrolytic. The ones I am looking at are all physically bigger than the ones I am replacing, and consequently the leads don’t fit the board. The rubicon’s I want to bin are have a diameter of around 3/4’ and the caps I’m considering are between 1’ and 2’. The big issue I have is the lead spacing.

I’m considering using a spacer between the pc board and the cap giving enough room for the leads to bend enough to fit the board. I have space on the board to fit a larger cap, but not enough to mount the caps on their side. The caps new will need to sit “upright”.

Id appreciate it if somebody has figured an eloquent solution for this.

Thanks
pauly
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,541 posts
 
Let me clarify something I should have said earlier. The Solen caps, or any film cap, will sound better than 95% of the electrolytics out there in a power supply. I gave you other film choices better than Solen. I thought the Mundorf tube caps were no bigger than Solen? 
If the Solens fit better than the Mundorf Tubecap,  then you can use them. Both the Mundorf MLytic HV and Solen film caps are good choices for your power supply. You can decide based on price and space. If you use the Mundorf  Mlytic HV or HV+, then add a film bypass cap. 
pauly OP
1,012 posts
 
Got you. I am interested in using film for both better sound and reliability. I’m going to try and see if I can squeeze Mundorf Tubecaps in. 
The 30uFs are rectangular and if I can superglue them against the sidewall I’ll get them enough of them in. Maybe. 
pauly OP
1,012 posts
 
@grannyring


Ok, short of taking a hacksaw to my chassis, I cannot use Tubecaps. I think I’m going to have to settle the Mundorf Mlytic. Do recommend bypassing them? 

I want to use the 50+50uF three prong. The ODAM is a little too expensive for bypassing - I need to replace 4 caps per amp. I’m a little under spec, the current electrolytic are 56uF. What would you recommend?
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,541 posts
 
You can measure what’s in there and see what value they really are. Electrolytics can vary up to 20% depending on spec.  You can ask Sonic Craft to match the caps as close to 55uf as possible. 
Yes, use bypass caps for sure. You can use a cap like Audience Auricap XO, Clarity CSA, and Jantzen Superior Z. Make sure they are high enough voltage for your circuit. 1-3 uf or so is fine. 
bigkidz
3,406 posts
 
I generally use Nichicon capacitors in power supplies, etc.  Clarity if I have to.  Then Mundorf.

I prefer V-Caps to the other capacitors.  I generally do not find a need to use by-pass capacitors.  Some people use them all the time.  I have not found that they are a big improvement over other changes.
Happy Listening.
More to discover