Best option for low value caps?

[Mat86]

So I'm restoring a new amp at the moment and while picking out which capacitors to order, I thought maybe I'd assess my options this time now that I'm familiar with the brands.

While I'm shooting for an Elna Silmics build, the smaller 1uf caps are what's throwing me since they don't get mentioned enough and the most recommended series don't make caps that low (ie, KZ, Silmics, Audio Note, etc.)

It really boils down to Nichicon FG & ES (Muse), or Elna Cerafine & RBD. Or skipping electrolytics and getting WIMAs (as I did in my previous restorations)

Elna seems to have a better reputation on here because of Silmics, but Cerafine has divided opinions, and no one mentions RBD. Nichicon gets praise but it's usually runner up in discussions.

Which is the way to go for the common but neglected 1uf 50v cap?

 

[painttoad]

generally wima or kemet film is my goto.

if you've got your heart set on silmics, i bought 100 - 1uf/50v silmic 2 a month or so ago. shoot me a pm, i'll give you some as long as it's a reasonable amount

 

[mbz]

Which is the way to go for the common but neglected 1uf 50v cap?

Depends on the role/purpose of the cap.
1uf preamp audio path would lean towards a low leakage/noise type MKS2 or UKL(while they last!)
Noise path on a power supply rail then something like UPW would be fine.
I find MKS2 can sound a bit harsh and UKL a bit sterile/"unmusical" so UFG and UKW are called upon.

I used many Silmic II's, thought they were overrated, prefer UKZ despite the -10%uf

 

[gadget73]

if its real low value, and in the signal path, maybe consider a film cap. Under 10uf and under 50v they exist in fairly small sizes for not stupid money.

 

[Mat86]

generally wima or kemet film is my goto.

if you've got your heart set on silmics, i bought 100 - 1uf/50v silmic 2 a month or so ago. shoot me a pm, i'll give you some as long as it's a reasonable amount

which kemet series do you go with? I've only used WIMAs but would love to change things up

I appreciate the offer but since it's only a handful of caps it's probably not worth the trouble

Depends on the role/purpose of the cap.
1uf preamp audio path would lean towards a low leakage/noise type MKS2 or UKL(while they last!)

I find MKS2 can sound a bit harsh and UKL a bit sterile/"unmusical" so UFG and UKW are called upon.

I used many Silmic II's, thought they were overrated, prefer UKZ despite the -10%uf

for signal path, sorry, left that part out

what do you mean by -10% uf?

what's the tie breaker between UFG & ES? (UKZ doesnt go that low from what I've seen)

 

[mbz]

what do you mean by -10% uf?

Capacitor manufacturing tolerances have tightened over those of the 70's. While modern electrolytics are +/-20% measurements suggest UKZ (and probably other Nichicon) are manufactured to about -10% possible to save manfacturing cost/materials. So don't expect a 220uf UKZ, more than likely it will be 200uf.

 

[Mat86]

Capacitor manufacturing tolerances have tightened over those of the 70's. While modern electrolytics are +/-20% measurements suggest UKZ (and probably other Nichicon) are manufactured to about -10% possible to save manfacturing cost/materials. So don't expect a 220uf UKZ, more than likely it will be 200uf.

wouldn't having a tighter tolerance be better than a 20% swing?

 

[mbz]

wouldn't having a tighter tolerance be better than a 20% swing?

Most people would expect a 220uf cap when ordered, ok sometimes a little lower, sometimes a little higher. But yeah, -10% is better than -20% but some people feel short changed. It's just something to keep in mind that it will be "always" -10%. My glass is half full, other see it differently.

 

[Mat86]

Most people would expect a 220uf cap when ordered, ok sometimes a little lower, sometimes a little higher. But yeah, -10% is better than -20% but some people feel short changed. It's just something to keep in mind that it will be "always" -10%. My glass is half full, other see it differently.

but arent both UKZ and Silmics both +/- 20%? At least thats what their spec sheets say

 

[drjim]

but arent both UKZ and Silmics both +/- 20%? At least thats what their spec sheets say

You also have to consider what the original parts were. If it was designed with 20% capacitors, then it should work just fine with 20% replacement caps. Yes, it would be nice if all parts were +/-1%, but the world doesn't work that way. If having an exact value was that important, then they would have designed in a trimmer so it could be set that close.