Jupiter Condenser

zingo

Has anyone here used Jupiter Condenser capacitors? My horns use a modified Klipsch A crossover with Sonicaps currently; each uses a 2uF and 13uF cap. The detail is fantastic, but I would like a little more warmth out of the sound. It seems these capacitors would warm up the sound a little and take the edge off the top end; even if a bit of detail is lost. These caps are not cheap, but the speakers aren't either, and I need to ensure I am matching levels of quality across my system. If I go with Jupiter caps, I would probably use their cotton over copper to rewire the speakers to keep everything congruent as the wiring is currently a mess.

Thanks for the help!

VR3

Those look extremely expensive, if I was in that range I would probably go Duelund

zingo

Based on Parts Connexion prices, the Duelunds seem to start at 1/3 to 1/2 more expensive than the Jupiters and go up radically from there...

VR3

Gotcha... I didnt look up how much they were just assumed based on the appearance... you know what they say about assuming @_@ *EEEK*

Give them a shot I say!

Face

Although Duelund would probably give you the sound you want, I would give Jupiter HT Flat caps a try before the regular VSF. If you have the money for Duelund Black or CAST caps, then that's a different story.

zingo

I'm going to need custom values for thr horns, so I talked to Jupiter this morning and they'll be sending over a quote for the caps and wire to redo everything. Luckily I only need two caps per speaker.

dracoskeeper

I used these (per Jeff@SC's suggestion) in some custom pt-2-pt crossovers for my Ushers. I'm going to hold off on impressions because I'm now putting Duelund resistor in place of the Mill's. They are also supposed to have a long break-in.

Face

Duelund's resistors are excellent too if you're looking for more transparency.

zingo

I've heard they are great resistors. Luckily, the XO on my horns doesn't use any resistors.

Joe08867

I have heard them in a few Guitar amplifiers and they sounded quite good. Although the amps were modded it was super clean after the switch from the stock caps to the Jupiter's, i would say they added mid warmth and were much fatter than the stock caps.

PS, I believe they were the beeswax versions though and not these.

zingo

Thanks for the comments. That seems to describe the tone I'm looking for, so I'm see what the damage would be when I get the quote from Jupiter.

I read a review stating the their new and old caps sound the same, they just changed the finish on them to help them hold up to heat better than the original plain wax.

zingo

Here is the quote:

-13uf: $190/each or $380/pair; Copper foil add $160/each
-2uf: $80 each or $160/pair; Copper foil add $30/each

Copper foil is not commercially available yet, but you can get them if you want.

Joe08867

Kinda steep but those horns look worth it. I would want to go copper foil myself but another $320 is crazy.

Face

Still cheap compared to some other copper caps.

zingo

A little steeper than I was expecting, but they will still be a consideration. I've also found AmpOhm Paper-in-wax caps that are less expensive, but have been compared directly to the Jupiters for similar tone and construction. I still have very fond memories of using Jantzen Superior caps in my custom Fortes, so they will be a consideration as well.

zingo

For fun I just ordered some Vishay MKT1822 caps to try until I figure out what I want to put some real money towards. I've heard good things about them as far as industrial caps go, and they were dirt cheap, so I got nothing to lose by trying these high-quality, German made parts.

zingo

Caps shipped and I'm interested to hear what they will sound like compared to the current Sonicaps. I'm not expecting much for a couple dollars, but it's a fun experiment as the Vishay caps have decent reviews online.

pitdogg2

I do not know about caps, but in the analog tuner world you're on the cutting edge if you use all vishay resistors in a old analog tuner. That and blackgate caps and you're considered a pro. In all reality Vishay resistors get as much attention at my tuner group as Mills does here.

heiney9

The Vishay's are OK, nothing to write home about. Certainly will suffice, but IMO are over-hyped. But, based on cost they are very good performers, but don't really hold up to the higher end caps.

I agree, fun to experiment and find something that sounds good at a great price!

H9

zingo

That's what I thought, it's just fun to get your ears on something new and expand your world of experience. I'm heavily considering your suggestion of the ClarityCaps, but they don't have exactly the values I'm looking for; 2.0uF and 13.0uF. Do you know if they offer custom values? Would two 1.0uFs be better than a single 2.2uF, even though the 2.2uF is probably in spec? How about combining two 6.8uF verses combining a 10uF with a 3uF?

heiney9

When using multiple caps to attain a single value it's best to use values close to each other.

for example if the value is 13uF, it's better to use (2) 6.3uF caps than say a 10uF and a 3uF.

H9

zingo

Thanks

F1nut

Jake, did you ever try the Jupiter HT Flat caps?

headrott

I would definately be interested in a report on them too Jake.

F1nut

Face wrote: »

Although Duelund would probably give you the sound you want, I would give Jupiter HT Flat caps a try before the regular VSF. If you have the money for Duelund Black or CAST caps, then that's a different story.

Mike, why the HT and not the VT?

Face

F1nut wrote: »

Mike, why the HT and not the VT?

It appears they've made some changes since I made that statement.

F1nut

How dare they.

zingo

I never did purchase them as it ended up being more than I wanted to spend; after calling them and getting a quote for the correct values which were custom at the time. I believe I ended up getting ClarityCaps, and have never gone back.