DIY - Recommend coupling caps which sound different? (2024)

I have run tube gear in either instrument or hifi formats for a while now, and I've spent most of my hobby time trying to learn schematic considerations like bias schemes. I know there is considerable discussion around coupling cap composition, and I'm deciding it's time for me to socket a PCB and develop some lived experience.

I typically build with orange drops. So I would prefer to start there. I am looking for 3 other capacitors (I will choose values as close together as possible). I think I may also choose a ceramic cap, and maybe something from Zoso.

Do any of you fine people other recommendations? I know mundorf, Jupiter, Russian NOS, black cat, etc etc (there are a lot of options)

I'm not necessarily looking for the best possible cap, just examples that clearly dillineate how different constructions might sound. I could be convinced to invest in a pair of caps if it would help me learn about voicing and bolster my skill as a builder.

Suggestions?

Like it or mock it - this article is going to surface some time so might as well offer it up now. I used the C-D ones in my ST-35 but mainly due to available room w/ PCB mount spacing. Planning to custom chassis next time to try Miflex and Mundorf.

And more

tubesglo said:

Cornell Dubilier 942c. Film and foil rivaling many more expensive "boutique" types. Detailed data sheets available, respectable high quality design and manufacturing....No BS.

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Same here. Definitely the best cap I've found for the money, in fact better than any boutique cap I've tried. I use them in all my projects--amps, preamps.

For my Almarro amp project I'm about to order up V-Cap ODAM's. They are kinda pricy... but they're small size compared to a lot of the PIO caps is good for this project, and they review favorably from people who have tried a lot. I want something gucci enough that I'm not going to lose sleep over the "what if" factory.

- Woody

ICTWoody said:

For my Almarro amp project I'm about to order up V-Cap ODAM's. They are kinda pricy... but they're small size compared to a lot of the PIO caps is good for this project, and they review favorably from people who have tried a lot. I want something gucci enough that I'm not going to lose sleep over the "what if" factory.

- Woody

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I have ODAM's and Russian K40y-9 among others and have used both for my tube preamp output caps . No audible difference in that position, currently occupied by CDE 942c. I use the K40y-9 in the coupling stages of my amplifier now. Playing with the ODAM's in my Orchid DAC now due to the hype.

Troutbear said:

Humble Homemade Hifi - Cap Test

Humble Homemade Hifi - Very high quality loudspeaker kits, components, upgrades, modifications and custom solutions.

www.humblehomemadehifi.com

Like it or mock it - this article is going to surface some time so might as well offer it up now. I used the C-D ones in my ST-35 but mainly due to available room w/ PCB mount spacing. Planning to custom chassis next time to try Miflex and Mundorf.

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You are correct Troutbear, that article will eventually surface. I am sure the author meant well, but the
article is grossly inaccurate concerning capacitor sonic quality. For newbies, I will try to
simplify for easier understanding.

The author's conclusions (as well as other comparison studies) are based upon certain factors.
I will mention just a few.

1. The author simply listened to test the quality of sound, which is not proper methodology.
Neither is typical "blind/double blind testing". In fact, both testing methodologies do
not address all the confound variables, although often differently.

2. His methodology and conclusion is dependent upon his circuit design. If the circuit design is
not sonically accurate, then the results will be skewed to compensate for the fault(s).
For example, if his circuitry is thin "sounding", the fuller sounding capacitor will be deemed as
more natural than an accurate capacitor, in absolute terms. Point 3 is a critical aspect.

3. The size of the test capacitor in ufd has to be near correct. Too small of ufd and the accurate/natural
capacitor will sound thin. Too large and the accurate/natural capacitor may sound too full. This
verses no capacitor. In otherwards, in absolute terms.

I have checked a couple of capacitors in his article, and the results posted are incredibly
inaccurate. For instance, the Clarity csa is rated 9, the Jupiter beeswax/copper foil is listed as
13+, while the Mundorf EVO aluminum is listed as 7, even tough the Mundorf is far more
accurate. The csa and all copper foil caps are way too full sounding althouigh the Jupiters
were better than the csa capacitors. One can imagine just how far off the other capacitors are rated.

All in all, the article should be withdrawn from the internet as it is quite misleading and inaccurate.

Wish I could be more positive.

cheers and all the best

pos

Positron said:

All in all, the article should be withdrawn from the internet as it is quite misleading and inaccurate.

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So are you volunteering to author a replacement?

paul_b said:

So are you volunteering to author a replacement?

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Don't need to. The Mundorf EVO aluminum or in oil capacitor is near perfect, in absolute terms.
That is, unless one wishes to manipulate the sound for their own personal preferences.

But I wonder how one would feel if he/she purchased an expensive capacitor only to find out that the
expensive capacitor sounded different than what the article claimed. Kind of an expensive lesson
isn't it?

cheers

pos

Perhaps this is beside the point, but I have no qualms with people trying capacitors which are costly and may not sound good. If the biggest problem in your life is spending too much on bad caps, that sounds pretty good to me.

@paul_b thanks for the recommendations for bad sounding caps, that's actually something I was looking for. I'll probably throw those solons into the mix

I would say that a high quality pulse rated cap is likely as close as you can get to an ideal capacitance. Thanks for the heads up.

targeteye said:

I would say that a high quality pulse rated cap is likely as close as you can get to an ideal capacitance. Thanks for the heads up.

View attachment 69325

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Also depends upon and how the materials used, termination techniques etc. High price does not mean much.
As examples, take Solen fast caps, Wima Reds or Blues, with great specs but not that good.

Interesting how a less expensive capacitor sounds really close to perfect.

cheers

pos

theflattire said:

Not much help here, but I swapped out from Clarity to Duelund copper PIO and thought I got a bit more extension and air.
So much so that I swapped them out for Duelund silver/copper when they went on sale.
I also run Miflex KPCU -01/Mundorf EVO SGO in the EAR clone.
Problem is I also changed out ICs around the same time so I cannot avow to any changes. II also read it take some time to burn caps in so I suspect any changes have been gradual.
Best I can attest to is that my amp and pre sound good now.
Reality is I use the best (blindly) caps I can afford so I don't have to think about it later.

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You are not going to notice much musical difference since both brands, from the article comparing capacitors,
have a high rating number along with Jupiter and Clarity. All four will sound quite full. Similar sounding capacitors
are not going to sound that different.

cheers

pos

Positron said:

You are not going to notice much musical difference since both brands, from the article comparing capacitors,
have a high rating number along with Jupiter and Clarity. All four will sound quite full. Similar sounding capacitors
are not going to sound that different.

cheers

pos

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Pos, please suggest 3 capacitors which you believe would illustrate contrasting influences on sound

asilker said:

Perhaps this is beside the point, but I have no qualms with people trying capacitors which are costly and may not sound good. If the biggest problem in your life is spending too much on bad caps, that sounds pretty good to me.

@paul_b thanks for the recommendations for bad sounding caps, that's actually something I was looking for. I'll probably throw those solons into the mix

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Maybe others are on a budget and cannot afford your luxury?

cheers

pos

asilker said:

Pos, please suggest 3 capacitors which you believe would illustrate contrasting influences on sound

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Clarity, Mundorf, Solen.

pos