Choosing capacitors for rebuild

ConchBoy66

ConchBoy66

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i am putting together a recap order for a receiver that i can not find a list/bom for.
I am going to try putting my own list together and i could use some advice. I understand where i need film caps and audio grade caps. Its the rest of the caps that im not sure what to choose. With nichicon caps, there are so many options, taking into account the packaging, lead spacing, size, temp and then there are still too many choices. Am i over thinking it or under thinking it? Any particular series to stick with? Any ideas are appreciated
 
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G'day;
I don't make cap choices for people (I just don't do it).. however low esr in the power supply, mains caps, is important.
You can use the search pane and get some ideas perhaps on your model# amp. Don't go with a service manual parts list go with what is in the unit for uf and voltage. Up the voltage on caps 10v-15v to 25v-35v (if available) keep the uf rating same.
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d.russell said:
i am putting together a recap order for a receiver that i can not find a list/bom for.
I am going to try putting my own list together and i could use some advice. I understand where i need film caps and audio grade caps. Its the rest of the caps that im not sure what to choose. With nichicon caps, there are so many options, taking into account the packaging, lead spacing, size, temp and then there are still too many choices. Am i over thinking it or under thinking it? Any particular series to stick with? Any ideas are appreciated
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I scarcely ever use "audio grade" capacitors.
General rule of thumb is to buy low ESR, 105 degree C general purpose caps. Anything under a certain size, for me it's 1uF, gets replaced with a film cap. Low leakage electrolytics (usually orange or yellow in vintage gear) and tantalums get replaced with Nichicon KL series. AFAIK, Nichicon is the only manufacturer that offers a low leakage electrolytic capacitor these days.
 
Thank you guys that's exactly the advice I was looking for it's past time for me to figure out how to do this myself so I just wanted someone to point me in the right direction
 
Also try to chose capacitors that are as close in 'lead spacing' to the original as possible. This helps to prevent or reduce strain on the seals at the bottom of the capacitor, which could lead to premature failure. 'Lead spacing' or 'lead pitch' is a standard part of the description of electrolytic capacitors of all sizes.

Also pay attention to the diameter and height of replacement capacitors - especially if increasing the voltage rating - you need to be sure the replacement will fit in the space available.
 
tarior said:
AFAIK, Nichicon is the only manufacturer that offers a low leakage electrolytic capacitor these days.
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A quick check and the Nippon Chemi-Con LLA and Elna RLB are low leakage. I didn't find one in the Panasonic list. But it seems they are hard to find so the UKL is the low leakage of choice.
 
I also have a few questions about replacement caps. I have a Braun amp that has not one but two types of caps caps that are known troublemakers: burgundy colored ROEs and alu bodied Frakos. Until now no problems with them, but did have a couple of shorted larger caps that have already been replaced. I assume that they been chosen based on their characteristics, and not randomly.
After a bit of research, i have found that the roes are low esr caps, and these will be replaced by same type of caps. But what to choose for the frakos? As this amp has a small ammount of caps (and high amount of same value), buying more expensive caps (for example UFG) would not be a problem.
There is alsmo a small amount of standard black caps that will be replaced by general purpose ones.
 
robiles said:
I assume that they been chosen based on their characteristics, and not randomly
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Well maybe not, but new caps are better than old caps, both when brand new so no worries on those newer ones.

if you can’t find out what benefit the freaks caps offered, then if in the power supply UPW or Panasonic FC or FM. If audio caps go ahead and spring for some of the better Nichicon audio grade caps if you want.
 
Thanks for the feedback. You might be right about "maybe not". It seem that caps brands are selected by value more than anything (less than 100 = roe and more = frako) and these can be found throughout including powersupply (as far as i can tell with my limited knowledge) except maybe the filters - those are encased. I remember reading somewhere that tha frakos are suitable for smps - probably similar to upw? I know i might be overthinking it, but this is what this hobby is all about, isn't it?
Could it be that the designers/bean couters settled on a mix of low esr and low impedance caps based on value and not position? There are also a few random "regular" black caps which should be all purpose.
 
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