• 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

Paradigm 3se Mk2 capacitor replacement advice

pdxtim

pdxtim

Well-Known Member
Register to hide this ad
My suggestion would be to use quality polypropylene capacitors in these crossovers. Dayton 5% caps in these values are a good choice.
 
Hi sparklow - In specs of above caps it states: "They feature a 5% dissipation factor". Is that what you were referring to in your statement above? Thanks for your help.
 
"Dayton 5% caps" refers to a maximum 5% deviation from the stated value of the specific uf, ie: 15uf for example. Electrolytic caps are cheap, and that and small size, are about their only positive attribute when used in a loudspeaker crossover. I recommend quality polypropylene capacitors and the Dayton's from Parts Express are reasonably priced and sound fine.
 
I'd differ with mikey in that I'd replace the resistors with these: https://www.parts-express.com/dayto...att-precision-1-audio-grade-resistor--006-3.7

And these: https://www.parts-express.com/dayto...att-precision-1-audio-grade-resistor--006-6.5

Especially if yours look like these: https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-dnr-65-65-ohm-10w-precision-audio-grade-resistor--004-6.5

As for the caps, I'd agree with sparklow and go with poly caps, although they'd be a little more expensive than electrolytics.
 
Not familiar with this crossover but usually the cap inline with the tweeter is the spot to spend your money on a good polypropylene brand ...cheers
 
Might post a pic of the crossover. Are they electrolytics or are they already a mylar cap? If mylar already, you're not going to gain much worth speaking of. But, it definitely doesn't hurt anything. Do you have a DMM to check capacitance and see if they're out of spec?
 
avguytx said:
Might post a pic of the crossover. Are they electrolytics or are they already a mylar cap? If mylar already, you're not going to gain much worth speaking of. But, it definitely doesn't hurt anything. Do you have a DMM to check capacitance and see if they're out of spec?
Click to expand...
Here's some pics. Thanks for the help!
IMG_0196.jpg IMG_0197.jpg
 
Ok, those are worth changing out, for sure. The values should be written on the sides. Fair warning...newer poly caps can get larger and harder to fit. But it can be done.
 
Since the polypropylene caps are so much larger than the originals I'm thinking I'll install them on the back side of the circuit board. Is there a problem with doing that? Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
pdxtim said:
Since the polypropylene caps are so much larger than the originals I'm thinking I'll install them on the back side of the circuit board. Is there a problem with doing that? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Click to expand...

Nope. As long as they are connected electrically the same, you can mount them any way that works. The caps need to be physically secure so they do not vibrate.

Ensure that there is clear air space around the resistors. Resistors can get hot and they need to be separated from the caps because caps do not like heat.
 
Just to be clear- in you first post you said one capacitor was 5.6 (five point six) uf, but you then provided a link to a fifty six uf capacitor. Make sure you get the right one!:thumbsup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom