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 equal values are 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?

zarrdoss

looks like a question for FACE, F-1 nut or others. What are you re-building?

inspiredsports

zarrdoss wrote: »

looks like a question for FACE, F-1 nut or others. What are you re-building?

I've actually already gone through the rebuild process on my Musical Fidelity X10v3, NAD 2600, Conrad Johnson PV-7, SDA 2B's and SDA SRS 2's using either exact cap values or splitting as close to 50/50 as possible.

I was just more wondering out loud after reading a few of the threads where members are actively involved in rebuilding their Polks.

zarrdoss

I re-built my 2.3tl,2.3 and rta 11t. I split as close as possible where I had to on the advise of members here. Sounds much better than stock but I could not answer what you are asking specifically.:)

Face

In the shunt/parallel position, as long as you keep it 50/50, 75/25, etc, I doubt you'll notice a difference. Also, unless you're using a very revealing driver(Accuton, Seas Magnesium), the difference between film cap brands is very subtle if noticeable at all.

When in series with a driver, I like to use a single cap whenever possible. Even using exotic caps from Claritycap and Duelund I've noticed image blurring when similar, but uneven values were paralleled. I haven't had the opportunity yet to test out identical values in series with a driver.

inspiredsports

Face wrote: »

In the shunt/parallel position, as long as you keep it 50/50, 75/25, etc, I doubt you'll notice a difference. Also, unless you're using a very revealing driver(Accuton, Seas Magnesium), the difference between film cap brands is very subtle if noticeable at all.

When in series with a driver, I like to use a single cap whenever possible. Even using exotic caps from Claritycap and Duelund I've noticed image blurring when similar, but uneven values were paralleled. I haven't had the opportunity yet to test out identical values in series with a driver.

Thanks! That's exactly what I was trying to determine. I followed the great advice I learned here for my own mods, but just wondered if there might have been a downside if I hadn't. I know sometimes what looks equivalent on paper doesn't translate as well at the eardrum.