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Technics Capacitor Differences

Anaxas

Anaxas

New Member
Hi,

I'm looking at re-capping a Technics SA-500 receiver and was wondering if anyone knows how I can find out the differences between the following capacitors:

0.47uf 50V ECEA2ASR47
0.47uf 50V ECEA50ZR47
0.47uf 50V ECEA50MR47R

All are the same capacitance and voltage, but I can't find out what the differences are. The only thing in the parts list is that ECE are 'Electrolytic' and anything ending in a 'N' is non-polar.

Any ideas? Should I be concerned or can I substitute with any high quality single capacitor?

Thanks,
 
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How about looking at the data sheet? That’s what I do
Without looking I can only guess, so I am guessing it’s physical differences, can size, lead spacing, maybe even packaging, bulk, tape and reel. Mouser usually has links to the data sheet so check it out
 
Do you have picts of the capacitors? Low leakage caps use to be orange or yellow, and used at the 1st amplifier stages, mic and Phono preamps, or signal path.

Temperature rating, low leakage, miniature sized, solid aluminum capacitors, all are differences that could be implied in those part numbers. Reading a schematic and seeing a couple of samples and applications of the capacitors could help to identify the differences.
 
Thank you for the input, I'll look at the the film caps for sub 1uf

I found a 1999 online version of the Digikey Catalog - It has the Panasonic capacitors listed (by series). A50Z are from the Z series "low leakage " . Some other capacitors don't come up at all for any type of search. I'll take a look at the physical board to try and see if they physically look different (and to verify the lead spacing and sizes)

I can use a general reference like https://www.electronics-notes.com/a...nents/capacitors/capacitor-codes-markings.php to try and pull out the generic values and tolerances from the part numbers.

From some other searches I read that the capacitors that are not attached to a ground trace are not on the signal path so those capacitors should be of a higher 'audio' grade. I successfully re-capped the amplifier and power side on a Technics SA-300 in the past without any problems, but on this SA-500 the tuner side is problematic (drift of signal while warming up, etc) so I just wanted to be a bit more exact .
 
There appear to be 3 series of capacitors: Panasonic S (Dark Blue) , M (Light Purple) , MR (Orange)

From ChatCPT:

The Panasonic S, M, and MR series of capacitors were all introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s and were designed for use in high-fidelity audio equipment. While there are some similarities between these series, there are also some key differences. Here are some of the main differences between the Panasonic S, M, and MR series of capacitors:

  1. Dielectric material: The S series uses polystyrene as the dielectric material, while the M and MR series use metallized polyester film.

  2. Capacitance range: The S series has a lower capacitance range than the M and MR series. The S series is available in capacitance values up to 1.5uF, while the M and MR series are available in capacitance values up to 220uF and 100uF, respectively.

  3. Voltage rating: The S, M, and MR series all have a voltage rating of up to 1000V.

  4. Impedance: The MR series has a lower impedance compared to the M and S series, which makes it more suitable for use in high-frequency circuits.

  5. ESR: The MR series also has a lower equivalent series resistance (ESR) compared to the M and S series, which makes it more suitable for use in circuits that require stable performance over a wide frequency range.

  6. Temperature range: The MR series has a wider temperature range than the M and S series. The MR series can operate at temperatures ranging from -55 to 105°C, while the M series can operate at temperatures ranging from -25 to 85°C, and the S series can operate at temperatures ranging from -40 to 85°C.

  7. Long-term stability: The S series is known for its exceptional long-term stability, which is due to the use of polystyrene as the dielectric material. The M and MR series also provide good long-term stability but are not as well-known for this characteristic as the S series.
 
Hi, were you able to "decode" panasonic caps P/N in the end?
I'm kind of in the same boat, we can of course check if it's in the audio or power path to see if we need low esr or low leakage but if the factory did it for us it'd be better !
 
I didn't decode to any level of confidence - I finished up the Technics SA-500 completely last year - I did all the electrolytic capacitors since there were apparent problems on both the power and tuner boards. But the main problems were the speaker relay, volume pot (replaced with a hack) - On the tuner side the 'drift' was maybe related to the capacitors, but could have been the AN377 chip which eventually failed and was replaced.

Basically all 1uf and lower I substituted with Kemet R82 film - The orange capacitors with Nichicon UKL - the rest with Nichicon UFW,UKT / Panasonic ECA (more or less) . The results were fantastic compared to how it was before and I really didn't pull out my hair looking for every exact replacement.
 
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