High End Passion and Craftsmanship For Sure . . . But Also Occasionally High Cost and Unreliable?

[microstrip]

Microstrip, looks like Tim provided your answer as the AudioCapX says they are better on an ESR basis, or Equivalent Series resistance.

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Our newly named AudioCapX line capacitors (formerly known as MultiCap™ developed by Richard Marsh) are uniquely and produced on proprietary machines which are exclusively owned and operated by Reliable Capacitors. This multiple section design significantly reduces typical capacitors losses and overall inductance, setting an industry standard. Measured Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) values are 5 to 10 times lower than conventional capacitors. This exclusive design also solves the problems of multiple resonances encountered when a circuit’s high-frequency impedance is lowered by externally paralleling a large, conventionally wound capacitor with smaller ones, as in typical bypass designs. AudioCapX capacitors are ideal for high-current, high-speed, pulsed applications. New and exciting innovations are continuing to be developed that will meet the most exacting audio and video specifications. Capacitors in this line are available in:

• metalized polypropylene (PPMFX)
• polystyrene (RTX)
• polypropylene and tin (PPFXS)
• polypropylene and aluminum (PPFX)

Lee,

The claim is ambiguous enough to be probably true, as most technical claims in high end argumentation. Ambiguity and semantics solves it all ... ESR is a curve depending on frequency, we do not know exactly what is being addressed, and comparison is carried with "conventional capacitors" - not with the state of art designs of other manufacturers. The resonance problem referred in the bypass comment exists, but not in the audio band or near its limits. Please read the WA intelligent and prudent remark about "ideal for audio and VIDEO specifications" (my capitalization).

I call such devices as "tuned devices". I have listened to the current Wilson speakers and enjoyed their fabulous performance, I am happy to know they use these new capacitors but can't say how the capacitors affected their sound.

In my perspective, these words, unless documented with extra detail and real technical numbers, just confirms my original post. Please note that I do not condemn such behaviour - it is needed to keep the high-end industry alive! BTW, the reason why it is needed needs a separate thread and time.

 

[Robh3606]

These are film caps no? Not electrolytic so why the concern about ESR? Should be insignificant.

Rob

 

[microstrip]

These are film caps no? Not electrolytic so why the concern about ESR? Should be insignificant.

Rob

Rob,

Nothing is insignificant in this business. ESR is closely related with energy absorption, that implies signal distortion. In an hobby where people claim to ear everything without known established thresholds , it is hard to use such argument.

 

[Robh3606]

Good point.

An interesting short read from Solen normal vs Fast Cap. Address's D/F and ESR. At audio frequencies? No actual data on the spec sheet just just extremely low. Sounds like a non issue to me but as you say point taken.



Rob