I have an old (20+ years) set of these speakers that are starting to sound a bit "tired". Would it be worth replacing the crossover caps? The yellow caps inside say 4.7K 250. Is this the same as 4.7uF 250v? If worth replacing what caps would anyone recommend? Thanks
Yes, it's 4.7 uF 250 V. The K represents a tolerance value of plus or minus 10% of 4.7 uF.
The only capacitors you need consider changing are bipolar electrolytic capacitors because they can change value as they age.
The yellow capacitor is probably a film capacitor and, if so, may be left alone as these types do not age.
If you post a photo of the capacitors, we can be certain which type they are.
The only capacitors you need consider changing are bipolar electrolytic capacitors because they can change value as they age.
The yellow capacitor is probably a film capacitor and, if so, may be left alone as these types do not age.
If you post a photo of the capacitors, we can be certain which type they are.
Thanks Galu. Here is a stock picture of the crossovers. It doesn't look like they are electrolytics so maybe it isn't worth replacing them as they are probably still OK. would it be worth considering upgrading these caps to a better brand or would it make very little difference to the sound?
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That yellow capacitor is a film type that won't "probably" be OK, but will "certainly" be OK.
If your speakers are sounding a bit "tired" I would not blame the crossover.
Some may suggest you replace that capacitor with a more expensive equivalent.
That would do no harm, but any improvement in the sound may be entirely subjective.
If you want some fun tweaking the crossover, and don't mind the cost, then try an "audiophile grade" capacitor such as this:
https://willys-hifi.com/collections...-evo-4-7uf-450v-capacitor?variant=51432069331
P.S. The capacitor influences the reproduction of the tweeter in your loudspeaker system.
If your speakers are sounding a bit "tired" I would not blame the crossover.
Some may suggest you replace that capacitor with a more expensive equivalent.
That would do no harm, but any improvement in the sound may be entirely subjective.
If you want some fun tweaking the crossover, and don't mind the cost, then try an "audiophile grade" capacitor such as this:
https://willys-hifi.com/collections...-evo-4-7uf-450v-capacitor?variant=51432069331
P.S. The capacitor influences the reproduction of the tweeter in your loudspeaker system.
If you do decide to tweak, Whelkie, you might as well replace that white 1 ohm; 5 watt ceramic resistor with a superior MOX type such as:
https://willys-hifi.com/products/mundorf-m-resist-10w-1-ohm-2-mox-resistor?variant=51025675475
The resistor also influences the reproduction of the tweeter.
The air cored coils can stay as they are - you don't know their values in mH anyway.
https://willys-hifi.com/products/mundorf-m-resist-10w-1-ohm-2-mox-resistor?variant=51025675475
The resistor also influences the reproduction of the tweeter.
The air cored coils can stay as they are - you don't know their values in mH anyway.
Thanks so much for these links Galu. I might try going down this path as I do like these speakers and as you say, it might be fun tweaking them!
Yes, tweaking is fun and can result in a greater sense of ownership of your speakers.
Just don't expect the earth, any improvement in sound will be subtle.
If you decide to go ahead, do let us know how you get on.
Just don't expect the earth, any improvement in sound will be subtle.
If you decide to go ahead, do let us know how you get on.
Metal oxide like are used in power supplies compared to wirewound? Could you perhaps give a link regarding their performance?
Ok. So I opened up the back of my speakers to find the crossover isn't quite like the (stock) picture that I shared. It had the 4.7uf poly but also a 15uf electro. Have replaced both and after a week or so of use am noticing a bit more detail and clarity. Nothing earthshattering, but definitely seems a little "livelier". Glad I did it and thanks for all the advice.