SCR cap source

From IZZYZV–(at)–VS.OAC.UCLA.EDU Sat Oct 7 21:10:04 CDT 1995
From: IZZYZV–(at)–VS.OAC.UCLA.EDU (David Anderson)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.tubes
Subject: Re: Solen bipolar caps
Date: 5 Oct 1995 16:47:51 GMT

In article <44v5c7$8q--(at)--ountain.mindlink.net>, michael_ken–(at)–indlink.bc.ca
(Mike Kent) wrote:

> I read lately that, contrary to common belief, you can in fact use
> high value nonpolar caps to replace electrolytic filter caps (I think
> I read it in Vintage Guitar Magazine…and not in a Torres article so
> it must be true 🙂 ). Locally I can get Solen caps that will handle
> 400 volts d.c., (and 200 volts a.c.) They’re expensive, i.e. at
> least $4 to $8 each, but will probably outlive the rest of the
> amplifier.
>
> Can anyone reading confirm that you can use suitable nonpolar caps to
> replace electrolytics? Any comments re. audible differences–are they
> ‘better’ at reducing ripple (i.e. more ideal than electrolytics)?
>
> Thanks.
>
> –Mike.

Mike, when you say “nonpolar caps,” I assume you mean film caps as opposed
to non-polarized electrolytics. Solen and SCR both make high voltage,
large value film caps, usually metallized polypropylene. You can get SCRs
>from Michael Percy Audio (415) 669-7181. [Pause for earthquake, about a 4,
I’d say–Los Angeles] He has a whole line rated at 630VDC and some at
1200VDC.

These caps are better IN EVERY WAY than electrolytics. The only advantage
electrolytics have is large capacitance in a small space, period.

And $4 to $8 is not expensive. You’d pay about the same for a
multisection electrolytic can capacitor.

David Anderson