What are the sonic benefits of having 4 capacitors instead of 2 in an integrated amplifier?

Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by Phono Groove, Jul 21, 2019.

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  1. Phono Groove

    Phono Groove Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    Montreal, Quebec
    Just wondering what would be the sonic benefits ( if there are any ) of having double the power supply capacitance in a solid state integrated amplifier?
     
  2. R. Totale

    R. Totale The Voice of Reason

    4 instead of two isn't the issue - two twice as big as the 4 would work as well (but maybe not fit in a cramped space). Power supply capacitors store energy, and if more is stored it takes longer before the stored energy runs out. This may give you more power (perhaps even more than the rated continuous power of the amp) on peaks for a split second. The amp could conceivably perform better under such stressed conditions than an identical amp without the extra power supply storage, but not better than a higher powered amp which isn't stressed reproducing the same signal in the first place.
     
    GreenDrazi likes this.
  3. Uglyversal

    Uglyversal Forum Resident

    Location:
    Sydney
    Don't go rushing into doubling the capacitance value without doing the proper research or you might blow the amp. Larger capacitance should improve the lower frequencies.
     
  4. russk

    russk Forum Resident

    Location:
    Syracuse NY
    Capacitors filter or smooth the power and block DC and store a small amount of electricity. Doubling the capacitors in a power supply can help reduce ripple or noise and do what some refer to as stiffen up the power supply in the hope the small amount of electricity stored in the caps will act like a battery and help reduce sag in the circuit. It’s better to get a well designed circuit then to just throw extra capacitors at a power supply. Personally I prefer transformer chokes be used with good quality caps and resistors.
     
  5. Gibsonian

    Gibsonian Forum Resident

    Location:
    Iowa, USA
    I believe you can lower resistance as well with additional capacitors in lieu of a single.
     
  6. vconsumer

    vconsumer Unapologetically 70s

    Location:
    Minnesota
    If we're talking about electrolytic capacitors, I'd be more inclined to put polypropylene bypass capacitors across the electrolytics to improve their sound.
     
    Uglyversal likes this.
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