• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

2230 Signal path ceramic caps to replace?

absolve2525

absolve2525

Super Member
I'm pretty close to finishing up my first 2230 recap, and saw some older posts about replacing ceramic caps in the signal path for better sound. I wasn't sure which caps these were, and what type were suitable replacements from Digikey or Mouser. Thanks!
 
Register to hide this ad
Polypropylene film caps are good replacements. Probably be looking for small stacked films for the values you need. They don't have to be exact. Marantz didn't use ceramics for anything very critical. But they are microphonic which is why it's good to get them out anywhere near a signal path.
 
absolve2525 said:
replacing ceramic caps in the signal path
Click to expand...
Surprised/shocked that marantz used ceramics in the signal path, hopefully this is just a misunderstanding (on my part).
Would expect ceramics to be used as a "noise path" from audio to GND. C0G types have become popular as a replacement
 
The older posts referred to a 2270 with ceramics in the signal path on the board with the bass/midrange/treble knobs. If you don't see them in the schematic, then the 2230 board must be different. Thanks
 
Not familiar with the amp, suggest check for any green caps mylar/polyester in the audio path, eg C401,2 on the P400 board
might be a green cap though 0.22uf is starting to get big for MKP, also would have been mentioned in the upgrade thread.
Basic idea is FKP preferred over MKP preferred over MKS (possibly) preferred over electrolytics
 
Thanks for the replies. I'm referring to Leestereo's 2270 recap thread, where he replaced the ceramic caps on the tone board P450 with NPO (C0G) types. He said this made an improvement in the treble region. Has anyone else replaced these? I use the tone controls regularly, and if it makes a difference I may as well swap them out. I'd like to find part numbers for these caps if so. Thanks
 
Believe it or not the 7c has one ceramic in the signal path of each channel... depending on the cap’s style, voltage and location... they can be just fine.

But for the most part, they should not be in the signal path..

Jk


mbz said:
Surprised/shocked that marantz used ceramics in the signal path, hopefully this is just a misunderstanding (on my part).
Would expect ceramics to be used as a "noise path" from audio to GND. C0G types have become popular as a replacement
Click to expand...
 
Now when i resto my own gear I tend to replace all those brown ceramics. I believe there is a small sonic benefit to be had, plus others like Leestereo report various evidence of it. Could depend on the circuit and other factors too so perhaps not a big mod to do, the best part is having a new replacement that isn't as ugly as those old brown ones! ;)
 
AnalogueBen said:
I tend to replace all those brown ceramics.
Click to expand...

Not sure those 4 large brown caps in post #11 are ceramic. I thought they were polyester maybe even polyproplyene
and would tend to leave them in unless I could replace with a MKP. Maybe someone can correct/educate me...
 
mbz said:
Not sure those 4 large brown caps in post #11 are ceramic. I thought they were polyester maybe even polyproplyene
and would tend to leave them in unless I could replace with a MKP. Maybe someone can correct/educate me...
Click to expand...

Nah, they are the mylar "Fat Browns" that have been named such.. the ceramics are three round flat disk type, those get replaced with C0G type..
 
  • Like
Reactions: mbz
Great, glad we are on the same page, mylar=polyester, replace with MKP if space available.
Haven't tried C0G. ceramic disc shapped caps are typically used for rf noise path so not sure how they improve
sound quality, maybe more stable characteristics...
 
Thanks for the pics, CohibaJoe. Did you replace any ceramics with NP0? I couldn't really tell from the pics. Looks great!
 
mbz said:
...ceramic disc shapped caps are typically used for rf noise path so not sure how they improve
sound quality, maybe more stable characteristics...
Click to expand...

Marantz used ceramic capacitors in the signal path of the tone control circuit (P450 board); schematic can be seen in this post.
 
absolve2525 said:
Thanks for the replies. I'm referring to Leestereo's 2270 recap thread, where he replaced the ceramic caps on the tone board P450 with NPO (C0G) types. He said this made an improvement in the treble region. Has anyone else replaced these? I use the tone controls regularly, and if it makes a difference I may as well swap them out. I'd like to find part numbers for these caps if so. Thanks
Click to expand...
I made the P450 changes and notice an improvement. Signal is always going through them so good to do the upgrade.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom