2. amps-preamps
  3. 146512-75349

Recommendation for input coupling caps

Hey,
I’m building a headphone amp and need a recommendation for a 0.47uF input coupling cap.
It is a discrete circuit and the output is direct coupled.

I have built this amp before and used Mundorf Supreme in this position.
I felt it sounded "compressed" and lacked dynamics (compared to other amps I built, albeit they were different designs).

Also, the headphones I will be using tend to be a bit bassy so would like something that is known for not bloating the bass and may bring the mids forward (if that is even possible to achieve by simply a cap).

Based on size and price, these seem like viable options:
Auricap XO
Mundorf Supreme Silver Oil
Jantzen Superior

I have also read about Jupiter and Sonicap Platinum but honestly can’t justify the price for this build.

I could be over-estimating the impact of this capacitor on the overall sound though, and can just go back to the same Mundorf Supreme.
Your thoughts are greatly appreciated

itsikhefez

Showing 3 responses by itsikhefez

itsikhefez OP
63 posts
 
Thanks for the comments.
Audyn True Cooper Max and the Tri-Ref were on my shortlist. They are bigger than the Mundorfs so I ruled them out.. although they may fit I've I'm creative. BTW, the True Copper (not max) only start at higher values and seem like they are intended for loudspeakers.

I will double check the sizes, right now I'm between the Silver/Oil and the True Copper Max (they are priced similarly as well)
itsikhefez OP
63 posts
 
Thanks for all the suggestions... hard to make a decision here.

My top budget would be in the price range of ~$40 per cap, which is already really pushing it as the entire build is not that high end.

@cal3713 thanks for the offer but those are way over my price range. (probably even at used price). they are also quite big, not sure if they would fit.

@terry9 the MIT RTX look reasonably priced at around $25 a cap, I'll take a loopk. The RelCap TFT's are too expensive at over $100 per cap.

@erik_squires @hifijunky will take an additional look at those MR/CMR's

@motokokusanagi the design is the RJM Sapphire v4. I participate in the build thread in DIY audio but most members there experimented with limited types of caps. My first choice (the Mundorf) was based on impressions there. Agreed that I don't have good evidence.. none the less am interested to try something else, which I could then compare to my current amp and see the if capacitor has the effect or not


itsikhefez OP
63 posts
 
@motokokusanagi Yes, I believe it can be omitted...
If I put a dac board in the same chassis and connect directly, probably safe. But since the source is connected externally and can be replaced over time, probably best to say safe
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