[rajacat]

Assuming that the voltage is sufficient for the application, is there any reason for using a higher voltage than necessary for the input caps in a digital amp? Will the voltage rating have any influence on sound quality?

[markC]

I can't see the voltage rating effecting sound quality, unless taken to the extreme.
I always like to use a minimum of 1.5 times rating for the application and usually double the voltage rating compared to the voltage the component actually "sees".

[Steve]

Assuming that the voltage is sufficient for the application, is there any reason for using a higher voltage than necessary for the input caps in a digital amp? Will the voltage rating have any influence on sound quality?

Hi Raja,

     Good questions. I will give a somewhat elementary explanation for any newbies out there that might also be wondering.

As you already know, Raja, using a higher voltage cap than necessary will further protect from a possible short, so no problem there.

To answer your questions, we need to know the voltages present. As an input cap to an amp, let us first assume no input DC offset voltage first. The signal will swing both positive and negative with respect to ground, so electrolytics would be out of the question. Bipolars are also a no no since they are known for tainting the sound imo.

So we are down to film types, such as mylar, polypropes, teflon etc. If there is an offset voltage, then films would still be the first choice imo.

Next, we need to know if there are any sonic differences between different voltage capacitors of the same value, say 1uf 400v vs 1uf 600 volts. Imo, there are, based on my own listening tests. But this is just my opinion. I also assume the terminations to be consistent between different sizes of the same brand capacitor since I cannot see inside the cap. However, don't quote me on that as being fact.  

I think the voltage rating, the dimensions, and thickness of the plates also affects the sonics.

Hope this helps.

[kyrill]

hi Steve

are the differences you hear consistent for higher Voltages compared to same capacitance but lower voltage? O r are the differences random, so you cannot say higher or lower V sound in some respects better?

[rajacat]

Thanks for the responses. I too am curious as to whether a higher voltage is always better for sound quality and, if not, how you forecast what is the optimum voltage. I'm about to order some output caps for my Mhdt Constantine so I guess I'll go with the largest caps that will fit since the price differential is just a few bucks.

 

[Steve]

hi Steve

are the differences you hear consistent for higher Voltages compared to same capacitance but lower voltage? O r are the differences random, so you cannot say higher or lower V sound in some respects better?

Hi Kyrill,

     I have only done sophisicated listening tests on a small number of all the caps out there these days, Kyrill, so I cannot comment on alot of them in this regard.

With all the values, it is hard to evaluate at all the different voltage ratings, as each value seems different than other values at the same voltage rating; probably from construction dimensional differences. But don't quote me on that. Just my opinion.

But what I have found so far is that the higher voltage rated caps seem to sound a little thinner, maybe it is more highs vs bass than the lower voltage caps, same uf, if that makes any sense. These values I generally check range in the 1uf to 5uf values or so.

Hope this helps Kyrill. Wish I could have been more help.

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"Thanks for the responses. I too am curious as to whether a higher voltage is always better for sound quality and, if not, how you forecast what is the optimum voltage."

Hi Raja,

I think that depends on how your component sounds as is and the original cap sounds so far. Not always better as the cap you are looking at may actually sound too thin compared to the lower voltage version, which seems to sound fuller. It is almost a shot in the dark with the situation you are in, the brand, value of cap etc. Different brand caps can sound so different.

Take care. Sorry I could not have been more help.

[rajacat]

Hi Steve,

The idea that the lower voltage would likely produce a more substantial sound and with more emphasize on bass is just the clue I'm looking for since I want to improve the lower frequency response in my system. The added benefit of lower voltage = smaller physical size would mean that I will be able to use larger capacity caps.

Thanks,

Raja

[Steve]

Hi Steve,

The idea that the lower voltage would likely produce a more substantial sound and with more emphasize on bass is just the clue I'm looking for since I want to improve the lower frequency response in my system. The added benefit of lower voltage = smaller physical size would mean that I will be able to use larger capacity caps.

Thanks,

Raja

That is true Raja. One note if I may. Some cap brands are fuller sounding while others are thinner sounding but you probably already knew this. I found the Auricaps to sound fuller than a Hovland; for the same voltage rating and value.

Hope this helps.

Steve