[SPL]

I'm planning my next project (and haven't even finished building my Pimeta...

); and have decided on the M3. Wondering if Blackgates for C7 are even close to worth it (Partsconnexion has the 470uF 50V for $7.75 each

), or if something like the Nichicon KZ (same value for $1.15 ea.) would be more than sufficient. Apparently, Blackgates are being discontinued, so I'll have to get them fairly soon.
I've got a fairly critical ear, but are we talking the final 10% improvement, or 0.1% with the Blackgates? I know The Law of Diminishing Returns applies, but that's a lot of cash; I'd rather spend it on other components that would make a bigger difference. This will be my "keeper" home amp - until something way better comes along, that is

, so I want it to be as good as possible.

TIA

 

[98venom]

Overkill IMHO. Elnas or Nichicons if you really want to go that far. C7 is not in the signal path so going boutique is really not necessary..........

 

[SPL]

Question, then: My understanding (limited as it is) is that electrolytics are used for power or bypass - NEVER in the signal path. If that's the case, do Blackgates fall into the "it's expensive, so it must be better than everything else on the market - gotta have it..." catagory, or is there some actual benefit to using them (minimal as it may be...)?

 

[motherone]

Blackgates are very subjective. The company that makes them (Jelmax?) doesn't publish the typical capacitor datasheets that other companies such as Elna, Nichicon and Panasonic provide. This means that you have to go based on word of mouth, and buy into the "subjectivity" of what they provide. Obviously, as such, they're a matter of hot-debate.

One thing that the BG's do very well is non-polar electrolytics (BG-N and BG-NX), which are handy if you need a high-value cap in the signal path since they're much smaller than the respective film types. They certainly don't sound terrible -- I used 4.7uF BG-N's in my Monica 2 DAC.. I do not, however, have a version with film caps to compare to. I would guess that non-polar Nichicon ES's might get you most of the way there as well.

That said, I would say that the Nichicon KZ or the Panasonic FM's are your best bet in that spot. I used KZ's on the M3's I built, but I've also used the FM's and Cerafines on PPA's and Pimetas. I can't really tell a difference with those caps in the PSU.

 

[Jazper]

I used silmic II's in my m3, and have used panasonic FMs in one I'm building.. I can't notice the difference and regret getting the silmics ...

 

[z2trillion]

but the silmics look so pretty...

 

[SPL]

Thanks, people. I'll go with the Nichicon KZs or Panasonic FMs. The price difference will go a long way toward the OPA627s I want to use.

Again, thanks.

 

[Teerawit]

BGs aren't discontinued, but will probably be more expensive. I would rather spend the money on a better PSU.

 

[SPL]

FYI:

Rubycon ceases production of Black Gates.

I've seen this info elseware. Looks like it depends on demand as for how long they'll be available.

 

[Whit]

The production of BG will continue but the prices are going up.

http://partsconnexion.com/blackgate/...ductionOCT.htm

 

[SPL]

Sorry. When I posted the link, the 05 December update wasn't there. I must have grabbed an outdated link.

 

[motherone]

Great.. More money for parts they won't even provide a datasheet on