2. tech-talk
  3. 1258586451

Cap voltage

I took the lid off of my preamp today (Cary SLP 98) to poke around in advance of an impending cap upgrade. I was told by the tech that I can co to a smaller value on the output coupling cap ( might increase dynamics if feeding a high impedance load) but need to stay with 600v. ??? Why 600v when the pre only puts out about 2v. Don't smaller voltages sound better?
lewhite
lewhite OP
156 posts
 
I feel real stupid right now. The DC offset is about 450v
lewhite OP
156 posts
 
But what about value? Is a little smaller better?
jallen
502 posts
 
The more voltage tolerance, the better. Too close and the cap will overheat and may blow. Heat is the enemy of the cap and you need a little padding. 800v is better than 600, etc. The REL and Jantzen along with the Mundhorf offer good voltage tolerance and great sonics. My fave is the v-caps. Not for those looking to spend 20.00 for 4 caps, but worth every penny. jallen
hifitime
715 posts
 
You need to keep the voltage at least as high or higher,but smaller uf/mfd value may loose some bass in my experience.That might make highs appear to sound better.
lewhite OP
156 posts
 
Considering Mundorf silver in oil over V cap tftf. Maybe they will give me a little more wooden second order distortion: not so "perfect" I'll stick with stock values and ratings. Thanks all! And may powdered sugar fall gently upon your ears this evening.
More to discover