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Hitachi HA 610 Recap - Elna Silmic vs Nichicon Gold?

Isaac C.

Isaac C.

Cat Hoarder
Hello everyone, I just acquired a Hitachi Ha 610 with the intention of recapping it. Of these, which series is best for the signal path? I plan on using Nichicon LKS for the 12000 mf 63v filter caps. Also could I increase the capacitance and voltage for the filter caps? If there is another series of caps for the signal path, let me know. Also two caps for the tone control board are 2.2mf 25v and 3.3mf 16v, I was reading where some people replace the smaller values with film caps, or should I stick with Electrolytic? Thanks in advance!
 
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I ended up ordering Elna Silmic IIs for the tone board, equalizer board, and main board. For the filter caps I ordered Chemi-Con caps in the same value as the originals since the originals are Chemi-Con as well.

Is there a general recap thread? If not, that would be interesting to start a thread and compile information about the different brands and which to use where, values, etc.
 
Isaac C. said:
I ended up ordering Elna Silmic IIs for the tone board, equalizer board, and main board. For the filter caps I ordered Chemi-Con caps in the same value as the originals since the originals are Chemi-Con as well.

Is there a general recap thread? If not, that would be interesting to start a thread and compile information about the different brands and which to use where, values, etc.
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That would open a can of worms with opinions. :p But more importantly are the proper types of capacitors where called for in the various circuits. Plus, along with the capacitance values are the current values as well. You don't want to put a (for example) 1.3a rated cap where a 2.1a rated is called for, especially in a power circuit. But a "general" list would be a handy thing for a quick reference.
 
Reliving. said:
What makes of Caps do you prefer ...?

Or is the only real difference 85degree vs 105degree !.
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There are subtle differences between capacitors, especially the various Nichicon series. But for the most part, when comparing the spec sheets of several series for the same value, I have found they are pretty similar. The ripple current for the Nichicon general purpose series is better suited for filter capacitors, and PSU capacitors compared the various audio series capacitors in the same value. Another thing is life, some are rated 1000hrs and 2000hrs.

When I recapped my direct drive table, I went with the long life, low leakage general purpose capacitors, I cannot remember the exact series off the top of my head.

I do not know as much as some other AKers when it comes to capacitors, maybe someone more knowledgeable will chime in.

I usually just get the 85C capacitors since most originals are that temperature rating.
 
Some say the 105degree Electrolytic’s are better quality because they have to With stand the higher temperatures.... ???

Who knows!.
 
Reliving. said:
Some say the 105degree Electrolytic’s are better quality because they have to With stand the higher temperatures.... ???

Who knows!.
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In areas that fundamentally get quite warm, yes. Like anywhere near or above heat sinks, or in poorly ventilated areas. power supplies, etc. Where it stays pretty cool, 85 degree are fine.
 
I shop locally for capacitors and I’ve noticed the majority appear to be 105 degree. It made me consider that has become or is becoming the norm. Some capacitors I saw there were rated for an even higher temp than 105.
 
All the capacitors arrived. Is it ok to use Elna Silmic IIs for non-signal caps such as power caps? There are some Chemi-con caps on the main pcb I'm guessing are used for power, but I purchased Elnas for them as well. Is that ok? I did order Chemi-cons for the filter caps.
 
I've had good results from both the Elna Silmic II line and the Nichicon FIne Gold series. You can download the spec sheets for these and read why each company feels theirs are superior. My only cap rules are to use the proper ratings and buy from a well known company. I don't trust the no-name stuff on eBay.
 
Ok thanks, I always order from Mouser. I also read a post earlier where someone used Silmic IIs in a Marantz 2245 PSU rebuild and said the difference was huge. I was just worried because I know some people opt for the Nichicon long lasting series for PSU caps.
 
Also the new filter caps are smaller than the brackets, how do y'all usually go about making them fit. I saw a while back somewhere that some sort of foam was used around the caps in someone's rebuild.
 
Isaac C. said:
Also the new filter caps are smaller than the brackets, how do y'all usually go about making them fit. I saw a while back somewhere that some sort of foam was used around the caps in someone's rebuild.
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I always try to get caps that are the right diamater, using foam or something to fill the gaps doesn't look good. Occasionally I replace 40mm dia caps with 35mm caps and replace the claps with smaller ones as well. I have a part number on hand for 35mm clamps that fit well where there were larger diameter caps. I don't worry about brand too much, but Nichicon gold are my first choice. Filter caps can be hard enough to find without adding extra requirements. Sticking with the original brand means nothing.

For signal path caps I use Nichicon FG, they are easy to fit when I up the voltage, the Elna are the size of the original caps so there often isn't room to up the voltage. I don't always up the voltage but I don't like to use anything under 25V. ConradH has posted about how the <10V caps die first.
Other than the size I have nothing against the Elna, use whichever you want then don't lose sleep over it.

For other caps I use Nichicon PM or PW. 105 degree caps. The higher temp rating is important in power supplies or other high heat areas.
 
I just remembered I have a parts receiver, I'll see what size those clamps are. What is the 35mm clamp part number if you don't mind me asking, in case the other clamps don't work?
 
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