Samxon large can capacitors any good?

[theOracle]

I took apart my Logitech Z-2300 subwoofer computer sound system (perhaps the best computer speakers of all time) and there are two huge 10,000 uF 35V Samxon capacitors - they look fine, but are these any good?

I am thinking about replacing them with the identical size and spec. Panasonic TS-HA series

also, there are many purple color 85 degrees Samxon SS series 47uf 25v small caps - any good? (marked U4A and U5A)

this unit is older, and I want the best sound and best reserve power for deep bass!

[Agent24]

Re: Samxon large can capacitors any good?

Last thing I heard here was that Samxon are pretty good, but their GF series are rubbish. That's all I know.

If you don't like the look of 'em, you know what to do

[mariushm]

Re: Samxon large can capacitors any good?

It will make absolutely no difference in sound quality if you replace those large capacitors.

They work at 100-120 Hz, they're basically smoothing out the voltage after the bridge rectifier and the classic transformer. Actually, I'm not even sure that system uses a normal transformer. Either way, won't affect the sound and shouldn't be susceptible to failure.

The smaller capacitors... if the system work fine, I wouldn't change them.

Would the system work better with other capacitors? I personally doubt it. If I were to change them, I would replace them with just normal standard capacitors or "audio" capacitors (but wouldn't go overboard). I mean, I wouldn't look for some Elna Silmic capacitors from 1990 or some stupidity like that, but I may choose to use Nichicon Muse or other of their audio series instead of standard capacitors. The price difference is not that big.

Some people that repair receivers and amplifiers swear they can notice difference between capacitors (in the actual amplifier section, not the power section) and quite a few I know don't use "low esr" capacitors like Panasonic FM, FR or Nichicon H* ... and I'd agree the chemistry in those may not be suitable for audio.

Someone I know prefers for example Panasonic FC.. to him, with some receivers it sounds even better than audio grade capacitors.

See for example these for 47uF 25v:

http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...179-ND/1965201
http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...189-ND/1965211

[theOracle]

Re: Samxon large can capacitors any good?

I restore solid state vintage audio receivers, amplifiers, and other audio electronics from the 1970's sometimes, and the problem is almost always the old capacitors are just dead from old age, what series do you recommend for that? - I never know whether to use low ESR or not, and sometimes the original datasheets are very hard to find for 70's capacitors to see what the old specs were (ESR, etc.)

when I repair a vacuum tube (valve) amplifier, it seems like the capacitor choices are much easier to make, because so much research has already been done in the tube audio resstoration field.

[goontron]

Re: Samxon large can capacitors any good?

I restore solid state vintage audio receivers, amplifiers, and other audio electronics from the 1970's sometimes, and the problem is almost always the old capacitors are just dead from old age, what series do you recommend for that? - I never know whether to use low ESR or not, and sometimes the original datasheets are very hard to find for 70's capacitors to see what the old specs were (ESR, etc.)

when I repair a vacuum tube (valve) amplifier, it seems like the capacitor choices are much easier to make, because so much research has already been done in the tube audio resstoration field.

you got that damn right! the last time i touched solid state i blew an output IC you cant get anymore, not even a deferential one has the same specks!

[theOracle]

Re: Samxon large can capacitors any good?

you got that damn right! the last time i touched solid state i blew an output IC you cant get anymore, not even a deferential one has the same specks!

one way to avoid this is to replace ALL electrolytic capacitors before even firing up any vintage electronics, and even then, use a variac (auto-transformer) the first time

[goontron]

Re: Samxon large can capacitors any good?

one way to avoid this is to replace ALL electrolytic capacitors before even firing up any vintage electronics, and even then, use a variac (auto-transformer) the first time

thats the thing, i did, and i got 24v at the speaker and BANG out goes the IC i wont work on solid state audio anymore
there's an old saying "when valves are unhappy they blush, when power MOSFETS are unhappy they scatter plastic."
that weird thing is a rectafire BTW

[Agent24]

Re: Samxon large can capacitors any good?

I restore solid state vintage audio receivers, amplifiers, and other audio electronics from the 1970's sometimes, and the problem is almost always the old capacitors are just dead from old age, what series do you recommend for that? - I never know whether to use low ESR or not, and sometimes the original datasheets are very hard to find for 70's capacitors to see what the old specs were (ESR, etc.)

I don't think there is anything special about them. In Audio use, Low ESR might sound different, that's all. Probably ripple current rating would matter more, in PSU section. You would likely find the information would be in physical databooks if it existed, like those printed for valves.

Though I'm sure you could find the information on a vintage radio forum etc, or you could contact www.siliconchip.com.au and ask them, they have a vintage radio restoration section in their magazine which has been going for decades, so they probably know what they're doing.