|
Article
|
|
Comparing electrolytic capacitors - May 2008
|
Last revision on June 2008
|
|
Comparing electrolytic capacitors - May 2008, by Eric Juaneda
It is difficult to choose good smoothing electrolytic capacitors. Across forums each one gives it own recipe.
Black Gate, Elna, Panasonic... what is the best for my audio device? In theses pages, I give a listening comparison
between famous series.
For this tries, I use my model 3 preamplifier with following power supply.
I observe many weeks of heating before listening comparison. I use switches to perform A-B test.
I listen one series at a time. One switches ON, the others OFF. Pull-up resistor maintains tension even when
capacitors are not under listening. Outside listening session, all switches are ON.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Technical data from manufacturer
|
| Manufacturer | Series | Value | V | I ondulation
(mA) | Impedance
(Ohm) | Datasheets |
| Panasonic | ECA | 100µ | 50V | 250 | | datasheets |
| Panasonic | FC | 120µ | 50V | 615 | 0.162 | datasheets |
| Panasonic | FC | 100µ | 100V | | | datasheets |
| Panasonic* | FM | 100µ | 50V | 870 | 0.061 | datasheets |
| Rubycon | ZL | 100µ | 50V | 724 | 0.074 | datasheets |
| Nichicon | HD | 100µ | 50V | 724 | 0.074 | datasheets |
| Sprague | 515D(M) | 100µ | 63V | 300 | | datasheets |
| Elna* | Silmic II RFS | 100µ | 50V | 380 | | datasheets |
| Elna | Silmic II RFS | 100µ | 63V | 415 | | datasheets |
| Black Gate (Rubycon) | BG | 100µ | 50V | | |
|
* Not tested
|
First remarks
|
- Real series of Panasonic ECA is Panasonic M
- Purist prefer Black Gate BG-N or BG-NX than standard series BG
- Black Gate series are out of production
- Panasonic FC 100µF 50V not exist
|
|
Listening test
|
- ZL - Rubycon ZL
- FC - Panasonic FC 50V
- SI - Elna Silmic II
- BG - Black Gate
- SP - Sprague 515D(M)
- HD - Nichicon UHD
- EC - Panasonic ECA (Panasonic MA)
- FD - Panasonic FC 100V
|
Comprehensives diagrams. Only given to understand which solution
sound better than another one. Diagrams are not drawing to scale. Do not compare between us.
Only comparatives values, no absolute values.
Note about listening test
|
|
|
|
Listening test (sorted by quality)
|
| Picture | Reference | Result |
 |
Rubycon ZL
reference : 50ZL100M8X11.5 |
It presents a very low ESR but sonic restitution is poor, very clear and bright. This device is not interesting for audio. |
 |
Nichcon UHD |
As Rubycon it presents very low ESR but sonic restitution is poor, very clear and bright. Better (a bit) than Rubycon but not enough quality for audio. |
 |
Panasonic ECA
(Panasonic M) |
This device is designed for audio. It prevents all excess; it is one of the softness capacitor, its dynamic is a bit flat. It will keep good place on low cost devices. |
 |
Sprague 515D(M) |
I put this standard capacitor to compare with newer one. All other device has los ESR or designed for audio. Sprague 515DM is standard purpose. I arbitrary choose this device because I have a stock of its. I thought it will present the modest audio render. Not at all, it presents a good choice for standard audio device. |
 |
Panasonic FC
50V |
With FC, we are coming to high end devices. Sonic characteristics are very good. It is a very nice and pleasant device. It has well tempered personality, with little coloratura. |
 |
Panasonic FC
100V |
I put this device on the test to compare same capacitors with different isolation. Higher isolation introduces less DA (Dielectric Absorption). It is as pleasant as 50V device with more linearity and less coloratura. |
 |
Black Gate BG |
With black gate we are coming to top-end devices. Sonic performance is far away from all precedents devices. All parameters are superior. Tones are very realistic. Music seems to get out from fog. Many people think that it is the best choice for audio. In fact BG is not very neutral (a few). Voices are pushed up and bass are very rounded. Theses defaults suites very well with middle end designs, it flatters modern and jazz music. |
 |
Elna Silmic II |
Elna Silmic II is the best device of this test. Comparing with very good Black Gate, Elna sounds better. There is as difference between Sprage and Black Gate than Black Gate and Elna. It is certainly the best choice on electrolytic capacitors for top end devices. Good sound for classical, baroc, jazz and modern music. |
|
Conclusion
|
Standard capacitors (like Sprague) still good choice for standard audio devices.
It sounds better than inadequate low ESR capacitors.
This test confirms good reputation of Panasonic FC. It is the best no-audio grade capacitors.
Audio grade capacitor (Elna, Black Gate) sounds better than all over. Theses devices are designed for high end audio.
They have particular internal structure, which seem to be very important for audio render.
While, very low ESR doesnt seem to be quality argument. Elna gives detail and pictures about internal
structure (Silk Fiber). Jump to Elna's web pages
If you search for better capacitors from Elna, look for metalized polypropylene capacitors.
|
