Topic: Passive Capacitor Test Review ...

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Various capacitors undergo the feared Humble Homemade Hi-fi listening test

The results of this test are meant to give you a basic idea of the sonic differences between capacitors when used in loudspeaker filters. I test all the capacitors in the signal path of tweeter and midrange circuits in loudspeakers crossover, I mostly use values of 4,7uF and 10uF to be able to make direct comparisons between different brands and types and try them out in both series- and parallel crossovers. The capacitors are tested in various speakers, varying from the ones I happen to be building at the time to a few standard speakers like my HATT's. I also use solid-state and tube amplification, analogue and digital source equipment and several different interlinks and speaker-cables during the process of evaluation that takes several months of extensive listening. Testing is done by listening to various good quality recordings on CD and vinyl and everyday FM radio. Over time I have re-evaluated my previous conclusions as new capacitors entered the contest, widening the listening platform. The only measurement done is to check the value of capacitance to make sure they were in within the margin stated. I have given each participant a rating. This scale is based purely on sound quality; price has been left out of consideration.



So far I have tested the following capacitors (in alphabetical order):

·          AmpOhm FP-CA-AU Film and Foil
·          Arcotronics MKP-C-4G
·          ASC X386S MKP in oil
·          Audio Cap PPMF MKP
·          Audio Cap Theta PPT MKP-Sn
·          Clarity Cap PW MKP
·          Clarity Cap PX MKP
·          Clarity Cap SA FP
·          Clarity Cap DTAC MKP
·          Ducati 4.16.10 MKP
·          Duelund VSF copper-foil/paper
·          Evox-Rifa PHE 450 MKP
·          Hovland Musicap MKP
·          Inco Sintex 45T D2BS MKP
·          Intertechnik Audyn Cap MKP-QS
·          Intertechnik Audyn Cap Plus MKP
·          Jantzen Audio Standard Z-Cap MKP
·          Jantzen Audio Superior Z-Cap MKP
·          Jantzen Audio Silver Z-Cap MKP
·          Le Clanché PPM MKP
·          LCR Capacitors FSC tubular foil polystyrene
·          Mundorf M-Cap MKP
·          Mundorf M-Cap RXF
·          Mundorf M-Cap Supreme Cap MKP
·          Mundorf M-Cap Supreme Silver/Oil MKP
·          Mundorf M-Cap Supreme Silver/Gold MKP
·          North Creek Crescendo Film and Foil MKP
·          Obligato aluminium-foil MKP
·          Sonic Craft Sonicap MKP
·          SCR Châteauroux MKP-PB
·          Solen Châteauroux Fast Cap PB-MKP-FC
·          Super PP Capacitor
·          TRT Wonder DynamiCap MKP
·          Vishay Roederstein MKP1837



FOR RESULTS OF THE CAPS, PLEASE CLICK ON LINK : http://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/Cap.html