• 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

Crossover recap: Seeking guidance on Film Caps

davstev

davstev

Well-Known Member
When it comes to replacing film caps, the options are many, and it's easy to spend a lot of dollars, only to experiment with very slight variances in sound.

I was advised to replace the film caps in a crossover of a nice pair of Canadian-made Clements "Little D" bookshelf speakers from the 80's. I like the current sound fairly well, caps look fine, but apparently it can be improved. I can't even say what I am looking to improve, specifically. Rather, just that it could be better- a tiny bit brighter, smoother, better soundstage.

Where to begin?

The originals are PolyPropylene film caps: "REL-CAP" is the brand, they're yellow and look fairly generic. Many replacement brands to choose from: Solen, Mundorf, Clarity, Sonicap, etc, etc. Not to mention the huge number of varieties: aluminum, aluminum/oil, PP, paper, etc.

It's a fairly tight fit already, so I need to go same size or smaller, not bigger.

Questions:
  • If I want to make an improvement in sonics without getting the very best of the best (due to cost), what would you advise (brand and/or variety)?
  • Is there a variety that I should eliminate, because they tend to be bigger than Polypropylene caps? Or, maybe a variety that is almost always smaller than PP and should therefore be looked into?
My first objective will be to replace the tweeter capacitor, as that apparently gives the most immediate improvement in sonics for this 2-way speaker. it's a ribbon tweeter.

Thanks in advance for any 'bang for your buck' insight you can offer. Of course, offer your 2 cents as to whether replacing the original film caps with 'boutique' caps is even worth my while at all.

David
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
I'd suggest this thread, as it really lays out the basic approach for any speakers:

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/jbl-4311s-system-complete-for-now.106180/

Daytons, Jantzen Crosscaps, Jantzen Standards, ClarityCaps or Solens are some common choices for entry-level "boutique" caps. The thread also discussed "bypass" caps which may add a bit of "air" to the sound.

Many choices here. The more expensive ones are also larger, for a given value.

https://www.parts-express.com/speak...capacitors/film-and-foil-crossover-capacitors
 
Zonker92 said:
I'd suggest this thread, as it really lays out the basic approach for any speakers:

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/jbl-4311s-system-complete-for-now.106180/

Daytons, Jantzen Crosscaps, Jantzen Standards, ClarityCaps or Solens are some common choices for entry-level "boutique" caps. The thread also discussed "bypass" caps which may add a bit of "air" to the sound.

Many choices here. The more expensive ones are also larger, for a given value.

https://www.parts-express.com/speak...capacitors/film-and-foil-crossover-capacitors
Click to expand...

Zonker, thanks. Your post coincided with my thought that I should look into what's on AK on this topic in more detail. So, your timing couldn't be better. Thanks again!
 
davstev said:
The originals are PolyPropylene film caps: "REL-CAP" is the brand, they're yellow and look fairly generic. Many replacement brands to choose from: Solen, Mundorf, Clarity, Sonicap, etc, etc. Not to mention the huge number of varieties: aluminum, aluminum/oil, PP, paper, etc.
Click to expand...

Capacitor manufacturers can provide caps from reasonably priced to better check with your bank manager first prices. It's a case of diminishing returns IMHO. Here's a very extensive capacitor rundown.

http://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/Cap.html
 
Over the years have had similar problems with space limitations. A person wants to install those huge Brand Y caps, but they will not physically fit. Depending on how complex or simple the cross over is, you can try adding one really good small bypass cap to the existing rel-cap that is in there. Try a .02uf Jupiter copper foil cap, across the relcap in series with the tweeter, or the midrange. But you are right, many after market caps will not fit inside the space the original xover was located in. Other option is to build an outboard cross over, but that becomes more complicated.
 
If it's of any interest, here's the crossover in question. Still investigating which caps do what, but I think the tweeter caps are upper right (not super visible in this photo). 20210223_110950.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom