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NPEs for cross-over recap

seifreit

seifreit

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
I just picked up set of Kappa 8s and I am going to do a partial re-cap, replacing all the NPEs. I've used Mundorf E-caps when I re-capped my RSIIIbs, RS5bs and Kappa 6s. Very happy with the results but here is my dilemma. I need much larger NPEs for the woofer section of the Kappa 8s and I can only find Mundorf E-caps with 63v rating and the factory NPEs are 100v. I see that Parts Express has the larger NPEs at 100v and want to get opinions on how the Mundorfs and P.E. NPEs compare.
 
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In the woofer region i don't think you are going to hear a difference. When searching for 100v bipolar capacitors there isn't much to look at. If those Parts Express caps are readily available and tolerance is within spec i would say go for it. I went with Jantzen Bipolars. Stacked a few of those to get to the value i needed for my QLS-4's. I don't know if you can get those on your side of the pond.
 
I've used both the Mundorf E-Cap and the PE and Madisound MDL NPE's. Both sound very good. And for what it's worth, it looks like Jantzen actually manufacturers both the MDL electrolytic and the E-Cap. From Parts Connexion:

Jantzen MDL

JANTZEN-84303.jpg

Jantzen Premium Elko

JANTZEN-84280.jpg

Mundorf E-Cap

MUNDORF-71867.jpg


That Elko looks just like an E-Cap. Or, maybe the same company makes electrolytic caps for Jantzen and Mundorf?

As to voltages, I've asked Parts Connexion and the Mundorf US Rep about their low voltage, and if that results in low power handling, and they both told me they've never had a failure of a cap in the field. Though, just in case, I always add a Film & Foil bypass cap, with a 400V rating. Can't hurt.

One other thought, many of the vintage speakers I've recapped, used capacitors with a 50V rating. I at least, never blew any caps. So, I wouldn't worry too much about about blowing E-Caps (and speakers).
 

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Thanks everyone for the input. I just noticed Parts Connexion has some sort of sale on thru tomorrow so I'm going to try to get an order in tonight to take advantage of it.
 
seifreit said:
Thanks everyone for the input. I just noticed Parts Connexion has some sort of sale on thru tomorrow so I'm going to try to get an order in tonight to take advantage of it.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up. I see Parts Connexion has Audyn, ClarityCap, Jantzen, and Solen/Axon on sale. No Mundorf, but those others are very good too.

Have fun!
 
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