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Black Gate capacitors

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Mike Mag

Mike Mag

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I have read very few nice comments about black gate caps, they almost all seem to bash them in one form or another

I just came across this article that says they are outstanding

I would like to hear from people that dont like them as to what their opinion is based on

I am curious because I have a few components with BG caps and it doesn’t seem like I can replace them and expect to get an improvement. Just recapped my Rotel 990 power amp and I did not consider replacing the BG caps only ordinary caps

 
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Capacitor discussion- let your ears guide you. Soooooo many variables. You have found opposing opinions already it won't be any different here.
 
Mike Mag said:
I am curious because I have a few components with BG caps and it doesn’t seem like I can replace them and expect to get an improvement.
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The article is like any other audio-related anecdote...

But let's say there's something to it. Read the last paragraph. How do you know your circuits are capable of exploting the Black Gate advance to the full - or to any noticeable level for that matter? They might not be good enough to take advantage of them magic caps.
 
What was the supposed advantage of those capacitors? Was it just audiophool lore or was there some real benefit to using them?
 
Supposedly they were made with 'premium materials' and the electrolytic formula was resplendent with all 11 secret herbs, and spices. Audio note have worked with Rubycon to make an equally expensive modern alternative.
 
Have one that was pulled from an 80's amp a decade ago, was still within spec then. Should check it again. Saw it yesterday "in the stash." 100uf/ 6.3v
 

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Nowadays, you have options if you'd prefer to replace old or bad BG caps. Nichicon's Muse series "KZ" is fantastic if they are available in your desired value. I routinely use them to replace small value electrolytics in all types of gear.

They're said to be sonically invisible for an electrolytic, and while I'm not too keen on analyzing the subjective sonic parameters of passive parts (anymore), I can attest to the fact that they're a reliable, premium option for our beloved equipment.
 
zenith2134 said:
Nowadays, you have options if you'd prefer to replace old or bad BG caps. Nichicon's Muse series "KZ" is fantastic if they are available in your desired value. I routinely use them to replace small value electrolytics in all types of gear.

They're said to be sonically invisible for an electrolytic, and while I'm not too keen on analyzing the subjective sonic parameters of passive parts (anymore), I can attest to the fact that they're a reliable, premium option for our beloved equipment.
Click to expand...
FYI, almost every audio grade cap has been discontinued as of now, which is why I have over 1000 in my parts reserve

My question was focused on why so many people hate BG caps
 
One reason is they fail quicker than the other caps used in the unit .

Most black gates in some Yamaha gear we repaired have failed so we just remove them when we see them. I use my Sencore LC75 to test them, about 60% are still good so I use them for testing a repair if I have that value but not a new cap of that value. Just so I can move forward till the proper new cap comes in.

Having said that I have about 30 caps of varying values of BG's NOS somewhere . Need to find them.

Athanasios
 
Nashou66 said:
One reason is they fail quicker than the other caps used in the unit .

Most black gates in some Yamaha gear we repaired have failed so we just remove them when we see them. I use my Sencore LC75 to test them, about 60% are still good so I use them for testing a repair if I have that value but not a new cap of that value. Just so I can move forward till the proper new cap comes in.

Having said that I have about 30 caps of varying values of BG's NOS somewhere . Need to find them.

Athanasios
Click to expand...
Thank you for sharing that. That is good information to have !
 
Mike Mag said:
FYI, almost every audio grade cap has been discontinued as of now,
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Not really. Nichicon has eol the small ones, 5 or 6.3mm diameter and has dropped a couple lines but still has the
UDB, UES, UKW, UKA, UKT, UFW available but the
UFG, UKZ and a couple others are not listed at nichicon.
 
Blue Shadow said:
Not really. Nichicon has eol the small ones, 5 or 6.3mm diameter and has dropped a couple lines but still has the
UDB, UES, UKW, UKA, UKT, UFW available but the
UFG, UKZ and a couple others are not listed at nichicon.
Click to expand...
this is what Digikey says about the UFW and UKW and UKA

Not recommended for new design, minimums may apply View Substitutes or Alternative Package Types

Am I misunderstanding what this warning means ? I understood that to mean discontinued.
 
All of those have small caps in the eol line but they also have larger caps that are not marked for deletion. Best to know all the info about the caps. I go to Nichicon's site.
 
I didn't like bg's, as they were over 29-years old at the time they were pulled. New technology is always better in caps.
 
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