Leak Stereo 70 - Capacitor Question

[mzsaunders]

Looking for a bit of advice on capacitors. I am looking to replace the output capacitors C34L and C34R in my Stereo 70. I have found some useful information on this forum, suggesting I can replace the 2000mfd 50V with 2200 - 4700mfd 63V - 100V snap-in capacitors. I have found a few options on Mouser and RS, but don't know what to look for. I am limiting this to 35mm diameter so I can use the existing clamps. My questions are:

1. How easy is it to solder to the snap-in pins? The existing capacotors have large tabs to accommodate two connections, one flex and one solid to each pin. I don't count soldering among my key skills!
   
2. How do I identify a good capacitor? Among thise I found are:

Nichicon LGU series
Nichicon LGY series
Vishsay 256 PMG
Vishay MAL
Chemi-Con 661-EKMH[/INDENT][/INDENT]

The only one I found with solder tags is Kemet ALT20, but I can't find a source for this one

Any thoughts?

[Radio Wrangler]

Of those, Nichicon and Nippon Chemi-con have excellent reputations. The Stereo 70 doesn't place high demands on these capacitors by modern standards so anything they've made with suitable ratings should be fine..... with one warning. These capacitors are generally preferred and carry a bit of a price premium, not enough to discourage you, but it makes these two brands the number one target for component counterfeiters.

It is important that you buy only from a trusted supplier. There are many fakes out there. Two main suppliers in the UK are Farnell and RS. They are main distributors and take care that their stocks come direct from the real manufacturer.

Soldering wires to snap-in lugs isn't a problem, there should be enough room. Prepare the wire ends and form them into shape positioned around the lugs before soldering both at once. It shouldn't be any more difficult than most other joints.

David

[mzsaunders]

Many thanks David.

I usually buy from RS, but anything they list that is suitable is on long lead times. I found these at Farnell though:

Nichicon LLS2A472MELC
Electrolytic Capacitor, Snap-in, 4700 µF, 100 V, ± 20%, Snap-In, 3000 hours @ 85°C

What do you think - should I go for it?

[Radio Wrangler]

Looks suitable.

You might find 105C temp rated ones which would have a probable longer life but in a Stereo 70 we all might not outlast the 85C

Have a look also at Mouser. Texas based, ship from there but you deal with their UK office. Prices include taxes etc, so you just pay UK catalogue price as on website. Mught take a day longer then RS/Farnell to arrive, but noticably more choice of parts and you don't get hit with Farnell's extra charge for parts from their Newark (Noo Joisy) warehouse. I've used them a lot. Firm owned by Warren Buffet! Much easier to deal with than Digi-Key.

David

[mzsaunders]

I bought some Epcos 100V 4700mf capacitors from RS in the end. I also replaced C2, C3 and C4 with Epcos 100V 560mf from RS. They were in stock on next-day delivery, delivery cost was lower than Farnell or Mouser and they fit the existing clamps. All seems good - there's still a very slight "thump" when I turn it on, but is is very much reduced and there are no noises when I turn it off. Subjectively, I think the sound is a little clearer.

Thanks for your help to those who contributed to this thread.

[Radio Wrangler]

Looks like a successful outcome.

Siemens spun out their passive components business, and named it EPCOS, so that's who they are. Quite reputable.

David