Replacing single caps with parallel combinations

inspiredsports

It seems new capacitors are physically much larger in size than their older counterparts, and also that large value caps are relatively expensive. Because of this, most of us typically "piggyback" (install in parallel) 2 lower value caps to get the higher value.

For example, two 20uf's are used to replace one 40uf.

I've been told that using equal value caps to get to your target is best (20 + 20 as in my example above), but that 10 + 30 is also fine.

I've then heard however, that 5 + 35 is not a good idea because the low value cap becomes the "path of least resistance" and begins to act as a bypass cap.

Beyond the theoretical ratios of what should be used, does anyone have any practical knowledge about what combinations might actually sound better?

Asking another way, using same brand caps, does a single 40 sound the same as 10 + 30?

Deadof_knight

if your gonna use use two in parallel then they need to be equal amounts to work correctly.

ben62670

Try to stick with caps nearest to the same values to makeup the total.

inspiredsports

Am I imagining it or were there a few additional responses here earlier in the day?

Face

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98435

strider

Face wrote: »

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98435

That's odd. Forum software glitch?

heiney9

inspiredsports wrote: »

It seems new capacitors are physically much larger in size than their older counterparts, and also that large value caps are relatively expensive. Because of this, most of us typically "piggyback" (install in parallel) 2 lower value caps to get the higher value.

For example, two 20uf's are used to replace one 40uf.

I've been told that using equal value caps to get to your target is best (20 + 20 as in my example above), but that 10 + 30 is also fine.

I've then heard however, that 5 + 35 is not a good idea because the low value cap becomes the "path of least resistance" and begins to act as a bypass cap.

Beyond the theoretical ratios of what should be used, does anyone have any practical knowledge about what combinations might actually sound better?

Asking another way, using same brand caps, does a single 40 sound the same as 10 + 30?

So have you found (2) 20uF to be a whole lot less expensive than (1) 40uF cap? I could see where there might be a huge cost difference or a real estate issue otherwise why not just the single correct value...........that will work best in most cases.

xukaxuka3

inspiredsports wrote: »

Am I imagining it or were there a few additional responses here earlier in the day?

I accept with information: It seems new capacitors are physically much larger in size than their older counterparts, and also that large value caps are relatively expensive. Because of this, most of us typically "piggyback" 2 lower value caps to get the higher value.

inspiredsports

edited

inspiredsports

strider wrote: »

That's odd. Forum software glitch?

I must have had an edit copy of my original post open and posted it twice as the link Face provided in post #5 above leads to my original post.