Recapping 5As

enjoyingpolks

This is my first post so if I'm doing it wrong please let me know

I recently bought some 5As for my son and I'm interested in recapping them. Here are some photos of the crossover:

http://imgur.com/a/MQgDM

So my questions are:
1. Should I be looking for electrolytic or maybe film caps?
2. What are the pros and cons of each type of cap in this application?

The caps I'm considering. The more expensive Daytons:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=027-430
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=027-441

And the less expensive electrolytics:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=027-342
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=027-350&scqty=2

Does anybody have an opinion about which way to go and what the pros and cons of each type of cap are for this application?

Thanks

Edit: The large cap is 33uf instead of 34. Will this create any listening problems?

Mystery

Welcome.
There are many threads on upgrade.
At the minimum, replace electrolytics with electrolytics and poly with poly.
If you can, get all poly.
33uf won't have any issue as that's less than 5% tolerance.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?51420-Monitor-5b-s-x-over-upgrade-w-pics&p=613756#post613756
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?81337-Monitor-5A-Crossover-Build

enjoyingpolks

Thank you for your advice and the links!

pitdogg2

If you plan on replacing never use the electrolytic's. Poly's are much better in the long run.

enjoyingpolks

Ok. What are the cons of the electrolytics? Do they just ware out more quickly or do they not sound as good?

Mystery

enjoyingpolks wrote: »

Ok. What are the cons of the electrolytics? Do they just ware out more quickly or do they not sound as good?

Both.

zingo

They do not sound as good, and have a limited life do to the liquid electrolytic used inside them. I have been enjoying Erse film caps as a cheaper option.

F1nut

Film and foil (poly and the like) simply sound better and they do not degrade over time like electrolytics. As for Dayton caps, while better than electrolytics they are basically at the bottom of the poly barrel.

Instead of using the 33uF use two 17uF's to get the exact 34uF value. IMO, it does make a difference.

enjoyingpolks

ok. Thanks

enjoyingpolks

thanks for the brand name. I'll check them out. Where did/do you buy your caps?

enjoyingpolks

Okay, thanks for the advice

pitdogg2

F1nut wrote: »

Instead of using the 33uF use two 17uF's to get the exact 34uF value. IMO, it does make a difference.

I was going to suggest that Jesse but I didn't see where Dayton made one in 17uf.

But yes if you decide to go with a different make like maybe Sonicap, Clearity or another you can look for a multiple that will make the exact value you need. I believe the Daytons are made by Bennic

enjoyingpolks

thanks. What caps do you prefer to use and what characteristics sold you on that particular brand? Also, where do you get your caps?

F1nut

I prefer Sonicap available at www.soniccraft.com

They are smooth with great micro detail and dynamics. They are also excellent shunt caps resulting in mo' better bass.

Although not listed, they will also custom value a 34uF cap for the asking.

enjoyingpolks

Great. I'll look into it today. Thanks

zingo

http://meniscusaudio.com/capacitors-c-101.html

enjoyingpolks

Thanks for the link, Jake

Dan

westmassguy

F1nut wrote: »

I prefer Sonicap available at www.soniccraft.com

They are smooth with great micro detail and dynamics. They are also excellent shunt caps resulting in mo' better bass.

Although not listed, they will also custom value a 34uF cap for the asking.

+1^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Don't forget the two Sandcast resistors. Soniccraft also carries the exact value, Mills MRA-12 Resistors to replace them with.
Clarity PX are a good budget cap, and the ESAs are on Par with Sonicaps, albeit a little too in your face for my taste. The Clarity caps do not have the exact value for the 34uf, and they're also huge compared to other brands, so fitting them on the circuit board may be problematic. Madisound carries the full line of Clarity products.

soundfreak1

Did my 5jr+'s with clarity SA caps, the results were amazing. Used the esa's in my rta12c's also. Very detailed and lots of punch. Remember they all need break-in time

11tsteve

i used Sonicaps and Mills 12V resistors in my RTA11T and just loved the results. Plus, I was very fortunate that Sonicraft was having one of their sales at the time I purchased (20% off IIRC) so the upgrade was very reasonable in my mind.
I also have a set of Infinity RSb three ways, and I used a combo of Clarity PX and SA caps, as well as Mundorf MOX resistors and I do not care for the results at all. I am currently starting a ground up project for the Infinity's, and will be using the Sonicraft/Mills combination as well as all new inductors. I am anxious to hear the results, but my feelings are I will end up being a Sonicap believer.