Summary of Sound Characteristics of Electrolytic Capacitors for Audio Tuning

Electrolytic capacitors play a significant role in audio tuning, greatly affecting tonal characteristics and sound quality. Here, I’ve summarized the sound traits of various brands and products for reference. These observations are based on personal experience and are not absolute. Please enjoy this as a hobby and use it as a guide.

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■ Role of Electrolytic Capacitors

Electrolytic capacitors are primarily used for power supply storage and noise reduction. They significantly influence sound quality in digital and network devices by removing AC/DC noise and stabilizing voltage under load, acting as a purifier for transmission signals.

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1. Nichicon

• AUDIO Grade Capacitor Types
  UKA, UKZ, UFG, UKT, UKW, UFW, USW, UMW, UES, UDB (Model names exclude the leading "U.")

• Grade Hierarchy

  • Polarized: KZ > KA > FG > KT > KW > FW
  • Non-polarized: DB > ES
  • FP Type (Polymer): Commonly used in compact devices due to miniaturization.

Key Model Characteristics

1. KZ (Top-tier)

   • Bass: ★★★★★ Tight and boosted bass; becomes natural after aging.
   • Midrange: ★★★☆ Neutral and slightly smooth.
   • Treble: ★★★★ Clear, dynamic, and detailed.
   • Staging: ★★★★ Wide lateral and depth staging.
   • Speed: ★★★★ Above average.
   • Balance: ★★★ Bass and treble-heavy, not flat.

2. KA (Second-tier)

   • Bass: ★★★★★ Tight bass with a softer feel compared to KZ.
   • Midrange: ★★★★ Smooth and textured.
   • Treble: ★★★★ Flexible yet detailed.
   • Staging: ★★★★ Wide lateral and depth staging.
   • Speed: ★★★★ Above average.
   • Balance: ★★★★ Well-balanced with texture.

3. FG

   • Bass: ★★★☆ Flat and monitor-like.
   • Midrange: ★★★★ Neutral and uncolored.
   • Treble: ★★★★☆ Outstanding clarity and dynamics.
   • Staging: ★★★★★ Widest staging among Nichicon models.
   • Speed: ★★★★ Fast and dynamic.
   • Balance: ★★★★ Excellent balance.

4. KW

   • Bass: ★★★★★ Rich in texture and volume, not tight.
   • Midrange: ★★★★☆ Excellent for vocals.
   • Treble: ★★★★ Smooth and refined, not edgy.
   • Staging: ★★★☆ Narrower than KZ/KA/FG, with recessed forward staging.
   • Speed: ★★★ Slow.
   • Balance: ★★★ Mid-to-low frequencies dominant.

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2. Toshin Kogyo (TK)

Produces clear and detailed sound with enhanced vocals and instruments. Ideal for coupling due to its moderate capacity.

• UTSJ:
  • Bass: ★★★☆ Flat, with no exaggeration.
  • Midrange: ★★★★ Calm and natural, with minimal coloration.
  • Treble: ★★★★☆ Crisp, transparent, and bright.
  • Staging: ★★★★ Average or slightly above.
  • Speed: ★★★★☆ Fast and grainy.
  • Balance: ★★★★ Slightly elevated imaging with minimal coloration.

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3. ELNA

A well-known brand for textured sound, especially in vocals and bass enhancement.

1. RFS (SILMIC-II)
   • Bass: ★★★★ Full-bodied and rich.
   • Midrange: ★★★★ Thick and textured, great for vocals.
   • Treble: ★★★☆ Smooth and warm, with some softness.
   • Staging: ★★★ Limited lateral staging; recessed forward projection.
   • Speed: ★★★ Slow.
   • Balance: ★★★ Mid-bass-centric with noticeable coloration.

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4. Nippon Chemicon

Balanced and bright sound representation.

1. KMG
   • Bass: ★★★☆ Tight and monitor-like.
   • Midrange: ★★★☆ Flat and neutral.
   • Treble: ★★★★ Clear with good definition.
   • Staging: ★★★★ Spacious.
   • Speed: ★★★★ Fast, suitable for dynamic genres like rock or metal.
   • Balance: ★★★ Balanced with a slightly elevated imaging.

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5. Rubycon

Flat sound with edgy and rough treble.

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6. Samyoung

Affordable and widely used in industrial and audio devices. Produces a rough and sharp sound.

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Other Brands and Characteristics

• Panasonic FR: Dynamic and energetic, ideal for rock and pop.
• Sprague: Bright and sparkling treble, suitable for musical applications.
• Cornell-Dubilier: Emphasizes midrange, with a masculine, vintage tone.
• Sanyo OS-Con: Excellent for digital circuits due to high-frequency response and low ESR.

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This summary will be updated with new products as they are tested.
Enjoy comparing the unique characteristics of each capacitor while pursuing audio tuning as a hobby!