Component questions

Oct 31, 2008 11 Replies

Pots - I'm finding conflicting information, what and A, B and L types? Capacitors - is there a marked difference between ceramic and film caps? Particularly in relation to Audio applications. What type is film referring to? Would that be "greencaps"? Resistors - is there an appreciable difference between using carbon and metal film in relation to Audio applications. Cheers


"Clubsprint"

** That's because there are varying standards for the code letters in different parts of the world.

Most commonly, A= audio taper and B=linear taper.

** Yep.
** You can assume the "film" = polyester, if nothing says otherwise.

Polyester caps are also known as Mylar, MKT, PEPT and even "greencaps" - which are sometimes blue, yellow or red.

** Usually there is next to nothing in it - but 1% metal film types are everywhere now.

Beware of carbon composition and cermet resistors as they can be noisy.

..... Phil

Would you please elaborate?

Thanks for the other info, very helpful.

"Clubsprint"

** Not interested in replying to such a vague and silly question.

Make it specific or go away.

..... Phil

Type "ceramic vs film capacitor" into Google... Tom

No idea exactly, but stuff like linear, logrithmic(differing), speaker volumes/balance, and other special purpose.

As to the rest of the stuff, EA had a good intro booklet that explained it all.

>

Stumped again I see pedo boy

don't worry we can all see you are so you needn't bother trying

Oh dear... not a clue philthy

Google and Wiki are your friend:

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Dave.

A and B are audio and linear taper typically except in Europe where they're the other way round. L is a special.

Potentially hugely esp depending on the ceramic dielectric. That's several pages of discussion in its own right.

Yes that too. Certain ceramic dielectrics will cause distortion.

The ones that look like they've been dipped in a green gunge ? These are normally mylar film (Du Pont's trade name for polyester) and are widely used in audio. A good general purpose cap.

In sensitive stages there's a VAST difference - not to mention tolerances too. Most metal film is 1% tolerance or better which in pro-audio is very important.

Graham

Sometimes the obvious escapes me.

It appears to have no sonic impact from the evidence of my limited research.

Found an interesting web site with some great articles that you probably all know.

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